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Some issues don’t get talked about enough—not because they aren’t important, but because they’re hard. 

Sexual violence is one of them. 

This May, during Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) is inviting Edmonton’s business community to take a closer look at what real support can look like for survivors. 

Through the Out in the Open campaign, SACE uses a simple symbol: a teddy bear with a teal ribbon. It’s soft, familiar, and comforting. However, it also stands for something more profound. 

Each bear represents a survivor in our community. A person who deserves care, dignity, and access to support. 

Nearly half of Albertans will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. That reality means this issue doesn’t sit outside of our workplaces, our businesses. It shows up within them, among colleagues, teams, leaders, and customers. 

The need for support keeps growing with added complexity of issues SACE offers specialized trauma counselling at no cost, so survivors can get help without financial barriers. But this work can only continue with steady community support behind it. 

This is where businesses come in. 

Supporting survivors isn’t just about awareness. It’s about what kind of workplace and community we’re building. One where people feel safe. Where they’re supported. Where they can thrive. 

Supporting the campaign is one way your business can take action and make a difference. It turns a symbol into real support for the services survivors rely on. 

And it quietly says something important: that your organization is willing to show up in a meaningful way, not just in conversation. 

Because community leadership isn’t only about growth or success. It’s also about how we respond when people need support the most. 

Find out how your organization can help bring the issue out in the open by going to sace.ca/take action. 

Author: The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) is a non-for-profit organization that supports survivors of sexual violence and empowers communities through counseling, education, and advocacy.