Front-Line Workshop: Survivor Voices, Real Change

You see a colleague, and they appear upset. You ask them, "Are you okay?"

They reply that no, they are not, and share that they were a victim of sexual violence.

Do you know how to react?

If you're like most people, probably not. 1 in 4 women in Canada have experienced inappropriate sexual behaviours in the workplace. According to self-reported data, there were 22 incidents of sexual assault for every 1,000 people in Canada aged 15 and older. In workplaces across Canada, these conversations happen more often than we might expect—and how we respond in those crucial first moments can significantly impact someone's healing journey.

In that moment, you might feel a mix of emotions: wanting desperately to help but feeling completely unprepared. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, wonder what steps you should take, or feel overwhelmed by the weight of their trust in you. These feelings are completely normal, and you're not alone in experiencing them.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and approach, you can provide meaningful, survivor-centred support while maintaining appropriate boundaries. This is exactly how our Front-Line Workshop (FLW) can help, and here's what you can expect when you attend.

In one transformative day, you'll move from feeling helpless to feeling equipped. You'll learn from survivors themselves, practice real-world scenarios in a safe environment, and develop the skills to intervene effectively when it matters most. By the end, you won't just know what to say—you'll understand how your response can genuinely impact someone's healing journey.

Before You Arrive: Setting the Foundation

Your FLW journey begins before you even step into the classroom. You'll receive a pre-course survey that serves multiple purposes: it helps us understand your current training experience, learn about your expectations, and most importantly, provides a gentle but important warning that some subject matter may be difficult, especially for those who have experienced sexual violence themselves.

We believe in creating a safe space from the very beginning. If you choose to self-identify and request it, one of our team members will personally reach out to discuss the course content with you. Some participants have chosen to step out for certain segments, others attend knowing our peer supporters are there for them, and some decide the timing isn't right; all of these choices are respected and supported.

The Day That Changes Everything

Whether you arrive in person or log in virtually, you'll immediately notice something different: everyone's in casual wear, and there are no titles here. Everyone (regardless of position or experience level) is treated with equal respect and dignity. This inclusive approach recognizes that participants come from diverse roles—HR professionals, managers, frontline staff, union representatives, and support workers—all united by a common goal: learning how to help effectively.

We don't offer shortcuts or abbreviated sessions for leaders because when someone discloses sexual violence, they don't care about your rank or title. What matters is whether you can respond with competence and compassion. Instead, we adapt our approach to scenarios throughout the training to meet everyone where they are: frontline staff might work through peer-to-peer disclosure situations, while leaders explore scenarios involving power dynamics, organizational responses, and supporting both the survivor and the team.

The Power of First Response

The morning begins with a powerful realization: learning how to offer proper first aid and support to people who have experienced sexual violence can literally determine how well they recover. This isn't just about being kind; it's about being effective in a way that truly helps.

Your response in those crucial first moments matters more than you might imagine. Research shows that survivors who receive psychosocial interventions experience significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms compared to those who don't receive such support.

Learning from Lived Experience

Learning from survivors.

You'll hear from our most important teachers: survivors with lived experience who generously share their insights. These aren't clinical presentations—they're authentic conversations about what truly helped and what inadvertently caused more harm.

One of the most profound lessons you'll learn is that while everyone's instinct is to "fix" the problem, sometimes the hardest (and most helpful) thing to do is simply to wait and listen. You'll discover why questions like "What can I do to help?" are more supportive than statements like "Everything happens for a reason."

Real Stories, Real Learning

The workshop then moves into smaller, facilitated group discussions where you'll work through scenarios that aren't fabricated training examples; they're real situations that have happened in workforces just like yours. Survivors have courageously shared their stories and experiences specifically to educate people like you who want to offer better initial support.

For example, you might explore how to respond when a colleague discloses during a coffee break, or how to handle a situation where someone shares their experience in a team meeting. These discussions aren't just academic exercises—they're practical preparation for moments that matter.

A Moment to Breathe

Recognizing that this content can be emotionally challenging, we build in a well-deserved lunch break where we actively encourage participants to take a moment and breathe. Our peer supporters remain available and on-call during this time because we understand that learning about trauma can sometimes be triggering, even when approached thoughtfully.

This break isn't just about food. It's about processing, connecting with fellow participants, and preparing for the afternoon's hands-on learning.

Building Your Intervention Toolkit

After lunch, the focus shifts to hands-on support training and practical bystander intervention techniques. You'll learn to recognize behaviours that can be precursors to more serious offences and discover how to intervene safely and effectively.

This isn't about becoming a workplace hero—it's about understanding when and how to step in without escalating situations or putting yourself at risk. You'll practice techniques like interrupting inappropriate conversations, supporting colleagues who seem uncomfortable, and knowing when to involve security or management. We'll cover everything from subtle redirections ("Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?") to more direct approaches when someone's safety is at stake.

Putting It All Together

More group discussions and facilitated scenarios follow, all approached through a survivor-centred, trauma-informed lens. This means everything you learn prioritizes the needs, safety, and empowerment of those who have experienced harm.

Participants often find these sessions eye-opening. You'll discover how assumptions can be harmful, why certain well-meaning responses actually re-traumatize survivors, and how small changes in language can make enormous differences in someone's experience of disclosure.

Integration and Ongoing Support

As the day concludes, you'll participate in frank, open discussions that help you process what you've learned. These debriefing sessions are crucial—they help you integrate new knowledge and identify areas where you feel most confident and where you might need additional support.

But our support doesn't end when you leave the room. We provide you with a heads-up that this course can sometimes resurface emotions days later (this is normal), and we give you contact information for local support resources.

We also remain available to you. More than once, we've connected with participants who had follow-up questions or needed additional support after the workshop ended. This ongoing availability reflects our commitment to your continued growth and confidence in these critical skills.

After the Workshop: Measuring Impact and Continued Growth

You'll complete a post-course survey that helps us continuously improve the program and measure how much participants have gained. This also allows us to prepare your certificate of completion, which many participants use for professional development records.

The feedback we receive consistently reinforces why this work matters:

"Excellent course! This kind of training should be mandatory for leaders as it is better to have it and not need it, versus not having valuable tools, information, and perspective when faced with these delicate situations."

"In my 23 years of service, this course will be one of the few courses that I can say actually has an impact. The delivery was excellent, the subject matter experts were exactly that and very good at getting their message across. Your team is very talented and brings a relaxed and safe atmosphere with a subject matter that is very difficult for most people."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the workshop? The Front-Line Workshop runs for one full day (approximately 7 hours including breaks).

Is this suitable for all experience levels? Absolutely. Whether you're completely new to this topic or have some existing training, the workshop is designed to meet you where you are.

What if I become emotional during the training? This is completely normal and expected. We have peer supporters available throughout the day, and you're always welcome to step out if you need a moment.

Will this training be too intense? While the content deals with serious topics, it's delivered in a supportive, educational environment. We focus on empowerment and practical skills rather than graphic details.

Can I attend if I'm a survivor myself? Yes, many survivors find the training empowering. The pre-course survey gives you the opportunity to connect with our team beforehand to discuss any specific support you might need.

The Ripple Effect

When you return to that moment (when a colleague approaches you in distress), you'll no longer feel helpless. You'll have practical tools, a deeper understanding, and the confidence to provide support that truly makes a difference in someone's healing journey.

But the impact goes beyond individual conversations. Participants often report that they become more aware of workplace dynamics, more skilled at creating inclusive environments, and more confident in addressing problematic behaviours before they escalate.

Because ultimately, this isn't just training. It's preparation for one of the most important conversations you might ever have. It's about building workplaces where survivors feel truly supported and where everyone has the skills to contribute to a culture of safety and respect.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Spaces in our Front-Line Workshops fill quickly due to high demand and our commitment to maintaining optimal learning environments. Our next sessions are scheduled for:

• Virtual sessions: Check with us for availability and interactive format details

• Custom workplace sessions: Available for groups of 15+ participants

Don't wait until you're faced with that crucial moment unprepared. Register today or contact our team to discuss which option works best for you and your organization

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We look forward to supporting you on this important journey. Together, we can create workplaces where survivors feel truly supported and where everyone has the confidence to respond with competence and compassion.

Join or host our next FLW!

Sources

1. Government of Canada. (2018). Sexual misconduct in the workplace. Available at: canada.ca

2. Canadian Women's Foundation. The Facts about Sexual Assault and Harassment. Statistics Canada data. Available at: canadianwomen.org

3. Roberts, N. P., et al. (2019). Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid substance use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.