Families Affected by Sexual Assault

The Families Affected by Sexual Assault (FASA) program has been working with families in Winnipeg for over 30 years. We provide therapy to families with children (under 18 and not in care) who have been sexually assaulted by someone that is not a parent or sibling, and has reported the sexual assault to Child & Family Services. In our collaborative work with families, we provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate therapy to help children and their families recover. Staff can provide training on child sexual assault, sexual behaviour problems and Making Sense of Trauma.

We believe that parents or guardians are the best resources for their children.

What follows is not a legal definition. As we have come to understand that what may have had a traumatic impact on children and their families does not necessarily meet legal standards for prosecution or going to court.

Someone inappropriately looking at, talking to and touching a child. It may be that someone asks a child to do this or has the child do this to them. It is usually someone they know or it can be a stranger. It may be someone older, whom they trust, someone their own age, or even someone younger. This person may try to trick or bribe the child. Often kids are told that something bad will happen if they tell.

Looking includes: Someone showing sexually explicit pictures or websites or asking a child to watch pornographic videos, movies or cell phone pictures, or being deliberately exposed to adult sexual activity.

Talking includes: Someone talking inappropriately to a child about adult sexual behaviour, being sent sexually explicit texts, emails, IM’s or chat room messages.

Touching includes: Any inappropriate touching of a child’s private parts or directing the child to touch themselves or someone else.

  • Sexual assault affects all family members
  • Parents play an active and essential role in therapy
  • Children who have support and understanding will suffer fewer ill effects
  • Children can and do recover

If this has happened to you it is very important that you tell an adult that you trust to help you. If this has happened to someone you know it is also important to tell an adult that you trust. Adults can, will, and do believe, they can help.

  • A child’s disclosure breaks the silence and begins the recovery process
  • When faced with the issues of sexual assault, parents often feel helpless
  • The staff of the FASA program is here to help you and your family.

Therapy in the FASA program is different for each family. It can include talking, playing, drawing, games or writing. It is not a requirement for healing that children talk about what happened to them in detail. In fact we know that this can be more often distressing than helpful. We teach families strategies for coping with thoughts, images, feelings and behaviours that may impact their daily life. We help parents to learn how to help their children at home. We know that families can and do recover after a child has been sexually assaulted.

  • We provide therapy to families with children [under 18 and who are not in care] who have been sexually assaulted by someone who is not a parent or sibling, and when the sexual assault has been reported to Child & Family Services
  • Sexual assault may include direct or indirect sexual touching; exposure to sexual material on the internet and in movies; sexual interference; sexual exploitation
  • There is no wait list for service
  • There are no fees
  • We accept referrals from Winnipeg and surrounding areas where families are able to travel to Winnipeg to obtain our services

For more questions about the FASA program, please contact us or read our FAQ Page.

Other Programs

Meet the Team

Appointments & Referrals

Referrals and appointments can be made by an individual or their parents/caregivers.

Families Affected by Sexual Assault
New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families
3rd Floor – 717 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB. R3G 0M8

431-317-5600

FASA@newdirections.mb.ca