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Safe Program
Purpose
The Safe Program was created because men of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage went missing and were murdered between 2010 and 2017. ASAAP recognizes that cultural complexities exist for individuals in our communities that can leave us isolated as we explore our lives. If someone goes missing, it is important to report as soon as possible to ensure you are found in a timely manner. A common tip to ensure safety for those who are meeting people is to tell a friend or family member where they are going and what they are doing. This tip does not work for those who have no one to tell – therefore, ASAAP has created this program to be that neutral third party to support those individuals.
This program is in line with our Mission, Vision, and Values and we work from a non-judgemental framework. Our existing programs are designed to ensure that members of our communities have a safer space to share their experiences. The Safe Program is designed using the same concepts on maintaining confidentiality about personal information.
Your safety and wellbeing are our priority and this program is open to everyone who needs this support.
EMAIL: safe@asaap.ca
This is not an emergency service. If you are in danger or need immediate help, please call 911
Who is This For?
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Anyone……
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Going on a date or meeting someone for the first time.
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Experiencing an unsafe encounter, harassment or fear of violence.
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Going to a social space alone or meeting someone there (eg. Clubbing, Bath House).
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In a relationship who is feeling unsafe about their partner or their environment.
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Meeting a client.
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Experiencing any form of violence is encouraged to email us and we can support.
How Does It Work?​
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Email safe@asaap.ca with the following information:
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Your phone number or email to contact you
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The address or intersection you are going to
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Whom you are meeting (name and/or a brief description of the person)
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Any other information you feel is important for us to have
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Your name (first name is enough)
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When you get home, make sure you email us within 24 hours from the same email address and tell us you are home safe and we will leave you alone.
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We understand you may have deleted the original email you sent, that is ok – just email us from the same email address to let us know you are safe.
What If I Don't Email You Back in 24 Hours?
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We will reach out to you using the contact information you provided – so it is important that it is accurate!
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If we are unsuccessful in contacting you within 48 hours of you initially emailing us, we will reach out to the LGBTQ2S Liaison officer at Toronto Police or an assigned officer to follow up with you.
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*It is important for you to email us back to let us know you are ok so we don’t have to get the police involved! The police is a last resort and we will contact them because we think you are a missing person.
What Will ASAAP Share With The Police?
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We will share with the police the email you sent to us and they will contact you as well. If they also can not reach you, ASAAP will file a missing persons report. Again, your email will only be shared if we do not establish that you are safe.
Who Has Access To Your Information At The Office?
Only the Executive Director, Praney Anand will have access to this information.
What Do You Do With My Information?
As per the standard regulation around record keeping, we will hold onto your emails for 5 years in a secure system. Once the 5 years are up, we will delete all emails. All emails and communications will be confidential and the only way information will be released is if it is subpoenaed by the court. The only time information will be shared with the police without a subpoena is if you do not respond to our attempts at reaching you.
Is There A Fee For This?
No Fees. Again, this program is to ensure timely response in cases of missing persons in our communities.
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