Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre is set to open a new facility in Selkirk, Manitoba, in Summer 2026. The expanded space will increase staff capacity and reach more survivors of sexual violence across the Interlake region.
The new centre will offer counselling rooms and community resources, addressing a critical gap in services for rural areas. Co-executive directors Gillian Schofield and Coral Kendel highlighted the challenges survivors face when needing to leave their communities for support.
Since 2003, Survivor's Hope has operated from Pinawa, Man., with staff traveling to provide educational workshops, counselling, and hospital advocacy. The SARAH program assists survivors at hospitals and RCMP detachments, offering crucial support during difficult times.
Workshops on consent, mental health, and healthy relationships are also led in local schools. "We are getting our voice out there and we’re talking more about these things that have been kind of in the shadows for so long," stated Natasha van Dorp, SARAH and SADI co-ordinator.
Survivor's Hope provides short-term counselling, emphasizing the importance of validation and immediate support. "I believe you. You’re not alone in this,'" said short-term counsellor Chantal Shibata.
In 2023, Manitoba RCMP responded to 814 reports of sexual assault. Statistics indicate only six percent of sexual assaults are reported. Survivor's Hope aims for prevention and reduction of future harms, with the ultimate goal of making their services unnecessary.