November 15, 2022 – EVA Canada submitted a brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women for its study on Mental Health of Young Women and Girls.
In the brief, EVA Canada highlighted the mental health consequences of sexual violence in the lives of young women and girls in Canada. We also emphasized the pressing need for specialized sexual violence services and the many barriers that continue to exist for those seeking support. For young women and girls, the lack of accessible specialized sexual assault services may compound both their mental health risk and negative mental health outcomes arising out of the experience of sexual violence.
EVA Canada put forward two overarching recommendations to the Committee:
- Recognize, respond to, and prevent sexual violence against young women and girls.
- Ensure consistent operational funding to community-based sexual assault centres (SACs) and services for young survivors and ensure their availability across the country.