Alberta investing in supports for child sexual assault survivors

The Government of Alberta is providing $5 million to Little Warriors over the next three years to help more youth who are survivors of sexual assaults.

The province says one in three Albertans has experienced some form of sexual abuse while they were under the age of 18. That stat climbs to 44 per cent of girls and 24 per cent of boys.

“It’s troubling that any child experiences sexual abuse, but it should not define the rest of their lives. I’m so grateful for Little Warriors and their courageous efforts to help Alberta’s young survivors overcome their trauma and regain their self-esteem,” said Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services.

Those experiences can lead to aggression, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and PTSD while growing up, and can also lead to addiction, mental illness, and suicidality in adulthood.

Little Warriors aims to help children and their families through their treatment programs, which include mental, emotional, and physical supports.

The funding will also go towards a treatment facility called the Be Brave Ranch which is located near Sherwood Park, and is the only one of its kind in Canada.

“Through our trauma-informed treatment, we are consistently seeing clinical improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety and functioning. We’re grateful this funding will allow us to serve more children and caregivers with evidence-informed treatment that changes life trajectories,” said Dr. Wanda Polzin Holman, clinical director of Little Warriors’ Be Brave Ranch in a statement.

The facility offers a camp-like setting that includes numerous activities including group and individual therapy, nature walks, physical activity, art, sensory and animal therapy, as well as daily mindful movement.

“When children and youth first arrive at the Be Brave Ranch, their heads are down, but by the time they leave, they’re standing tall. The province’s investment will help Little Warriors continue to deliver real results for young survivors,” said Jennifer Martin, chief executive officer of Little Warriors.

Little Warriors reportedly spends $100,000 a year on research into the best supports for child sexual abuse survivors. This research has led to multiple research papers being published.