Counselling Services Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (MPSSAS) provides supportive, feminist counselling and therapy services that are confidential, non-judgmental, and client-centered. Counselling and/or therapy is available to women who have experienced sexual violence, regardless of whether or not they choose to report this abuse to the police. Issues that may be addressed during counselling and therapy sessions include:
• childhood sexual abuse • historical and recent sexual assault • acquaintance and date rape • sexual harassment
Women can refer themselves for counselling or therapy by calling either the Parry Sound or Muskoka office. All services are free of charge, and are provided on a face-to-face basis.
Information and support may also be offered for the partners, families, and friends of sexual assault survivors, as required.
Crisis Support and Short-Term Counselling:
MPSSAS offers crisis support and short-term counselling to provide immediate intervention, information on coping strategies, and referrals to other services. An appointment can usually be arranged immediately or with only a few days waiting period.
Ongoing Individual Support:
Individual counselling for women who have experienced sexual violence is available upon request. In Muskoka, ongoing therapy is available through the "Sexual Assault Intervention for Living" (S.A.I.L.) program. In the District of Parry Sound, this therapy program is available through Esprit Place Family Resource Centre (the local women's shelter).
Depending on demand, waiting lists may exist for these therapy programs. If this occurs, MPSSAS offers a variety of services in addition to the crisis support and short-term counselling described about. This includes: the provision of information that may be obtained in person or through the mail; access to lending libraries in both the Muskoka and Parry Sound offices; participation in women's drop-in programs (South River, Parry Sound, Bracebridge, and Huntsville); and, support and referral via telephone.
Women’s Sexual Assault Help Line:
This help line provides 24-hour-a-day support and referral services. It is free, safe, and confidential, and staffed by trained women who provide support from an empowerment-based, non-judgemental approach which recognizes and respects the strength of individual women.
Call the Women's Sexual Assault Help Line for
confidential support: 1-800-461-2929
Up to 80% of Aboriginal girls under the age of 8 in the Northwest Territories have been sexually assaulted. (Gurr, J., Mailloux, L., Kinnon, D., and Doerage, S., 1996)
