Mayor-Elect Jyoti Gondek Comments on today's Rally at City Hall

MAYOR-ELECT JYOTI GONDEK

October 24, 2021

CALGARY - Today I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Those who have been reliving the trauma and the challenges of the past need to know that today, and for all the tomorrows that follow, those in power will stand with them in the pursuit of justice.

It is frustrating to be denied the tools to do what is right. I feel that we were first let down by a culture that ignored victims’ voices, and now by a legal structure that removes the levers of power from City Council and the Mayor’s Office.

I am deeply moved by those who have shared their story of assault with me at the protest and in the past few days. I believe you and I will continue to stand up in the face of injustice to support you.

For those who are struggling this week, please avail yourself of the resources you need in your healing journey. I am sorry to be in a situation where we are causing so much pain and trauma to surface, but we must act to protect those closest to us.

If you need immediate mental health supports, please reach out to The Distress Center’s 24-hour crisis line: 403-266-4357. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, please contact Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse to access counseling sessions in a group or individual environment: 403-237-5888.

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