MeToo, sexual assault survivor stories part of new Waterloo region podcast

A new podcast is focusing on the experiences of sexual assault survivors and how the MeToo movement has impacted Waterloo region.

Called Chapter One, the podcast is a series created by the Kitchener Public Library. In the first three episodes, host Elizabeth Heald talks with Sara Casselman of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

"It's a heavy topic certainly," said Heald, who is also president and CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation.

The first episode talks about the MeToo movement in the region. The second episode is about justice and healing.

"The third one is a little bit uplifting. This one has not been released yet but it talks about male allies and how men can help get in the conversation and help us support women and tackle this issue as well."

Work 'quietly done behind closed doors'

Casselman says the episodes, which range from about 16 to 20 minutes, has allowed them to shed light on the work they do that many people may not realize is happening in this community.

"There's a lot of things about the work we do that has been quietly done behind closed doors, really shrouded in secrecy and shame," she said. "Now people are starting to speak out. There has been a cultural shift."

She noted that five years ago, if there were 40 women on the waitlist for help at the sexual assault support centre, that would have been a crisis.

Right now, there are 140 people on the list.

"It's the new normal," she said.

Spur action in community

Both Heald and Casselman hope the podcast will help spur action in the community. Heald says that can be sharing messages on social media or starting a conversation with family and friends about the issues here in Waterloo region.

It may also encourage people to volunteer or make donations to help the work being done in the community.

"I haven't heard a lot of feedback yet but those that I have heard from have been ... sort of awakened to this issue," she said.

"They, of course, heard about MeToo but didn't necessarily connect the dots with how the MeToo movement really impacted the sexual assault support centers," she added.

That impact includes the high number of survivors who "are feeling empowered to come forward and tell their stories" but has also led to lengthy wait lists.

The first two episodes of the podcast are available through the Kitchener Public Library's website and the third episode will be available early in 2020.