
Amethyst Project
Crisis support & advocacy for individuals who have experienced sexual violence

Registration
Referral
YWCA Harbour House
Chinook Regional Hospital
Community Agencies
24-Hour Crisis Line
Local: 403-320-1881
Toll Free: 1-866-296-0447
Drop in
604 8th Street south
Hours of Operation
24-hours
7 days per week
Related Programs
Co-Ed Fitness Centre
An inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of regular exercise without judgment.
Harbour House
Women’s Emergency Shelter & 24-Hour Crisis Line
Monitored Exchange
A safe & conflict-free transfer of children between parents
Outreach
Mobile advocacy & connection to community services
Parent Support + Child Development
Support and skill-building for mothers & children who have experienced abuse
Project Recovery
Practical tools for children & youth who have experienced trauma
Safe Visitation
Supervised visits that minimize risk and potential for conflict
Women's Residence
Our 32-bed residence offers single and double rooms with shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry for women (and any dependent children) to rent on a monthly basis at very reasonable rates.
Program Overview
Our Amethyst Project Advocates provide support, advocacy and referrals for current and historical sexual assault individuals and their families. We offer immediate crisis support for individuals attending the hospital after the assault. We can help individual navigate through their options and assist them in the processes to follow. Amethyst Advocates offer follow up support and mentorship programming.
Amethyst Project provides people who have presented to the Chinook Regional Hospital within a 72 hour period after a sexual assault with an important THIRD OPTION.
Before Amethyst Project, victims of sexual assault who attended the hospital were presented with two options:
Option One – Medical Treatment
- Pregnancy testing
- STI testing
- Injury assessment/treatment
- No sexual assault kit completed
Option Two – Police Involvement
- Pregnancy testing
- STI testing
- Injury assessment/treatment
- Sexual assault kit completed
- Evidence collected
- Statement to police
- Investigation started
- Victim Services support
People were asked to make this important decision while they were in shock and experiencing extreme trauma.
Thanks to YWCA Amethyst Project, these individuals now have another option – Amethyst Project’s Third Option:
Option Three – YWCA Amethyst Project Support
- Pregnancy testing
- STI testing
- Injury assessment/treatment
- Sexual Assault Kit will be completed
- Evidence collected and stored anonymously for up to one year
- No statement to the police or investigation will occur until the victim is ready
- Referrals to community services can be provided
If the individual chooses to pursue an investigation, immediately or at any time within the year, Amethyst Project Advocates will support them throughout the legal process and connect them with other community services as needed.
If an individual chooses to forego having the Sexual Assault Kit completed, Amethyst Advocates will provide ongoing support and connect them with other community services as needed.
Related Programs & Services
Mentorship Program
Cost: FREE
Amethyst Advocates work one-on-one with people who have experienced sexual violence.
This is an interactive group that is both educational and activity based, designed to help survivors work through some of the emotions and fears associated with this horrific experience.
Supporters & Advocates Program
Cost: FREE
Amethyst Advocates offer one-on-one support for families, partners, colleagues and friends who are supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence.
We know that this traumatic experience also effect those that love and care for this individual. This is an interactive program that helps to support and guide the caregivers through their own emotional journey through this experience.
Contacts
If you’re in immediate danger, call 9-1-1
24-Hour Crisis Line
Toll-Free 1-866-296-0447
Local 1-403-320-1881
Cost
FREE!
Who Can Access?
Individuals that have experienced sexual violence, both current and historical
All ages; all genders
Childcare
No
Transportation
Yes, within city limits.

Partial Program Funding
Victims of Crime Fund Grant

Supporters
604 8th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2K1
Phone: 403-329-0088 | inquiries@ywcalethbridge.com | 24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-320-1881 or 1-866-296-0447
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