National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (2024) – Standing with Indigenous Peoples Against Ongoing Colonial Violence and Injustice
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, ORCC stands in solidarity with Indigenous* Peoples, reflecting on the deeply embedded colonial foundations of today’s society. We acknowledge the ongoing fight for justice, equity and healing, while we honour the strength of survivors and their [...]
Sexual Violence Prevention: It Takes a Community
Addressing and preventing sexual violence requires coordinated, community action. As we commemorate Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Ottawa, we underscore the crucial role that collective action plays in fostering safer, more supportive environments for all individuals. Over many decades, extensive work has been done [...]
2023 The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation—Remembrance, Honouring, and Action
Today, September 30th, marks the 3rd National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This national day was established three years ago as a response to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. The TRC was a 7-year initiative [...]
The Time for Action Has Always Been Now: Sexual Violence Prevention Month 2023
The extreme rates of sexual and gender-based violence nationwide have been cited as an epidemic. According to Statistics Canada, sexual assault rates are at their highest in Canada since 1996. Sexual assaults reported to the police saw an uptick of 38.41% from 2017 to 2021, [...]
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: ORCC’s 2022 Statement in Support of Indigenous Survivors of Sexual Violence
September 30th marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a day of commemoration responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action. This day of remembrance encourages Canadians to stand in solidarity to address the government's harm inflicted on [...]
ORCC: Take Back the Night – Why We March
The power and control that feeds into sexual violence rely heavily on the imposed silence of those targeted. Under historical and current shrouds of darkness, perpetrators seek to obscure the visibility of the current reality in Canada; rates of sexual violence are at epidemic levels [...]
Solutions: ORCC’s Statement on Sexual Assault Prevention Month 2022
Far too often, conversations about sexual assault prevention focus on individual-level behaviours and choices – especially those of survivors. Even in 2022, it is common to see 'tips' suggesting that “walking confidently", limiting alcohol consumption and always being on guard are the best means to [...]
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: ORCC’s Statement in Support of Indigenous Survivors of Sexual Violence
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada made 94 Calls To Action to expose the truth of Residential Schools and set Canada on the path to reconciliation. Among these was the creation of a federal holiday to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities,” [...]
Facing the Facts About Human Trafficking
Human trafficking happens in ways and in places that the average Canadian might not expect. Sometimes, it happens in our very own backyards. On this National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the Ottawa Rape Crisis Center is asking you to join us as we shed light [...]
ORCC’s Statement on the Trucker Convoy
The ORCC is deeply distressed by the events that have been taking place in our City since January 29. We respect and acknowledge the right to peaceful protest. That is not what is happening in our city right now. As an organization we do not [...]
