Alberta’s commitment to rural sexual assault support will include training for rural health-care providers to better support survivors of sexual assault.

All survivors deserve support. Too often, sexual assault survivors in rural Alberta must drive long distances to access the essential care and services they need.

In October 2022, Alberta’s government invested $1 million to support survivors of sexual assault in rural areas Part of this funding has helped Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie to develop an online course for rural healthcare providers to access specialized training, such as performing forensic evidence collection. The funding will also cover the full cost of the online course for medical professionals working in rural Alberta.

“We want to ensure that as many healthcare providers as possible have access to training to best support survivors of sexual assault when they are most vulnerable, and no matter where they live in the province. I am proud that Alberta’s government is committed to supporting all survivors and ensuring the resources and support they deserve are available to them.”

Tanya Fir, parliamentary secretary for Status of Women

By making this essential training available and accessible to rural healthcare providers, Alberta’s government is helping ensure individuals who have been assaulted get the help they need when they need it, regardless of where they live.

“Micro-credentials, like the Rural Sexual Assault Care – Expanded program, empower professionals to develop impactful skills, knowledge and competencies that strengthen healthcare in communities. Northwestern Polytechnic is grateful for the opportunity to lead this important training initiative and we look forward to supporting rural healthcare providers across Canada in the coming year.”

Vanessa Sheane, provost and VP Academic, Northwestern Polytechnic

Course enrollment is now open at Northwestern Polytechnic and the course will be available beginning April 3.

Keith Hopper, Trending 55