Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

That’s the message that Tracy Lubick, resource development manager of the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre, wants to send to women.

“No matter what they (women) did, whether they fought back [in an assault] or they didn’t, it was the right decision,” said Lubick. “The important thing is they survived and they’re here. If there’s anything I can get out there, it’s to not be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to someone who understands the issue and [can] provide some context.”

Lubick said there is a stigma attached to the issue of sexual assault.

“Women often feel embarrassed, [and] feel that they will be judged, or not believed at all,” she said.

According to statistics, one in three women have experienced some form of sexualized violence, which can be any physical or psychological violence carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality.

It encompasses any sort of unwanted sexual contact, as well as name-calling and sexual humiliation.

“Seventy per cent of offenders are actually known to the women,” said Lubick. “It’s a misconception — when people think of sexual assault they immediately think of the man in the bushes.”

The centre, which supports, empowers and advocates for women who are survivors of sexualized violence and childhood sexual abuse, has trauma specialists who provide both short and long-term counselling, a crisis line and an emergency response team.

It also has a victim service worker for anyone involved in the criminal justice system.

The centre works closely with the Anti-Violence Project (AVP), UVic’s on campus sexual assault centre. AVP is located in the basement of the Student Union Building (SUB), and support workers can offer emotional support and can refer victims to the centre.

The centre is this year’s charity selection for the first annual Martlet benefit concert, taking place on Nov. 5 at the Victoria Events Centre. Musical acts include Mike Edel, the Virgin Space Cadets and Les Monstres Terribles.

There will also be a speaker from the centre addressing some issues about sexualized violence and the work that AVP does.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the centre.

The centre will use most of the money donated from the charity concert for Project Respect — a prevention program for youth that aims to stop sexual violence.

“Events like this really go a long way,” said Lubick.

Tickets for the concert are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door.

They can be purchased from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday in the Clearihue lobby, or all day in the Martlet office, room B011 in the SUB.

For more information, click here.