Supporting a Survivor as a Parent

In this episode, we explore with advocate Glen Canning how parents can support their children when they disclose, the impacts of intergenerational trauma, check our own internal biases and discuss ways we can attend to our needs as child sexual abuse survivors. Glen is a survivor of child sexual abuse and the father of the late Rehtaeh Parsons. Rehtaeh was a powerhouse young woman who fought for a better world. She died by suicide on April 4th, 2013, following months of cyber abuse and victim blaming connected to the sexual violence she was subjected to.

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CONTENT NOTE:

There are no descriptions of sexual violence in this podcast series. In this episode, there is a discussion of the impact of child sexual abuse, suicide and sexual assault. This can bring up big feelings and be hard to hear. Listen in a way that feels safer for you. You get to choose.

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NEED SUPPORT?

If you have been affected by sexual violence or other forms of gender-based violence, you are not alone. There are resources like sexual assault support centres in your community that you can reach out to. Check out our resources page to learn more: https://healingcomesinwaves.ca/resources

If you are a Toronto Metropolitan University community member, please connect with Consent Comes First, the Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education: https://www.torontomu.ca/sexual-violence/

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KEEP CONNECTED TO HEALING COMES IN WAVES

Check out our website for transcripts, resources, and episode guides that include articles, supports and activities to explore attending to the impacts of trauma: www.healingcomesinwaves.ca

Follow us on Instagram: @healingcomesinwavespodcast

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MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Glen Canning is an advocate for victims of sexual assault. He is the father of Rehtaeh Anne Parsons, a Nova Scotia teenager who four males sexually assaulted at a home near Halifax in November 2011. Rehtaeh ended her life on April 4th, 2013, following months of cyber abuse and victim blaming. Glen has spoken about Rehtaeh’s case internationally and across Canada. Along with his daughter’s mother, Leah Parsons, he has helped bring about changes to the Criminal Code of Canada. Glen and Leah, along with Amanda Todd’s mother, Carol, for his work, received the Rosalind Prober Award for Advocacy in 2013 and was named one of Huffington Post Canada’s Top 50 Contributors. Learn more about Glen Canning and his work at his website: www.glencanning.com.

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CREDITS:

Created by Consent Comes First, the Office of Sexual Violence Support Education at Toronto Metropolitan University in Collaboration with the Consent Action Team. Podcast produced by Vocal Fry Studios. Graphic Design by Isabel Jordan.