Femi Akinsanya discusses trauma-informed care for sexual violence

In a recent webinar, Femi Akinsanya, Co-Director of the Training, Resource, and Education Centre at Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA), presented a public health approach to addressing sexual violence and trauma-informed care. This event, part of the AVA Webinar Series, emphasized the importance of survivor-centered responses and institutional accountability in combating gender-based violence.

Akinsanya, who has over five years of experience in advocating for systemic changes in responses to sexual violence, highlighted the necessity of integrating trauma-informed care into public health strategies. Her background in psychology and health sciences has equipped her to lead collaborations across various sectors, including healthcare, government, and education.

During the webinar, Akinsanya discussed several key points:

1. **Survivor-Centered Approaches**: Femi stressed the importance of placing survivor experiences at the forefront of responses to sexual violence. This means listening to survivors’ needs and incorporating their feedback into service delivery.

2. **Building Institutional Accountability**: She proposed that organizations must take responsibility for their roles in the systemic response to sexual violence. This involves training staff to recognize trauma and providing resources tailored to support survivors effectively.

3. **Advocacy and Education**: Akinsanya underscored the role of education in raising awareness about sexual violence and trauma. By fostering a well-informed community, advocates can work towards creating lasting change and prevention strategies.

The webinar served as a platform for discussing actionable steps that individuals and organizations can take to improve responses to sexual violence. Akinsanya’s insights encourage a shift from traditional, often reactive approaches to a proactive public health model that prioritizes the needs of survivors.

For those seeking support, CCASA offers resources including a Support and Information Line at 403-237-5888 and Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000. The AVA organization is committed to advancing mental health awareness and improving the overall health landscape for women and girls at risk.

To view the full webinar and gain further insights into trauma-informed care, visit the link: [Watch the full webinar here](https://youtu.be/s3PUQR2UZkw?si=9_iQGtXwqEVZzsjG).