Healing Through the Intersections
Healing Through the Intersections is an annual educational event held in October that’s all about honouring and creating space for intersectional experiences of sexual violence and sexual harassment. Many (but not all) of the sessions are closed to survivors of specific identities, to allow participants to share experiences and build community in a safe and welcoming environment.
In 2024, we are excited to host an in-person professional development opportunity for any and all UofT staff, as well as launching a collaborative funding opportunity as a part of HTTI.
Applications Due Jan. 4 2024: Call for Collaborative Funding
This funding opportunity is open to any and all University of Toronto clubs, committees, departments divisions and community groups on all three campuses that may host events, programs, or workshops for students related to sexual violence and intersectionality, and/or support programming for survivors of sexual violence and sexual harassment who experience the intersection of multiple identities such as, but not limited to, Black women, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and racialized women.
In particular we are granting funds of up to $500 to groups that are creating healing space for specific racialized communities. Applications from students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
Please fill-out this form on or before Friday, Jan. 4, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Oct. 29, 2024: Understanding the Barriers and Improving Support for Racialized Survivors
with Suzanne Charles Watson and Janelle Noel
Lunch will be provided and registration is required. Limited space is available, so register as soon as you’re able! Location will be on the UTSG campus, but exact building/room will be announced to registrants via email closer to the event date.
The presentation will be based on a historical overview of the experience of Black identified individuals in systems that have made it difficult to ask or obtain support for various reasons and experiences, especially as it concerns academic settings. This presentation will use a trauma-informed lens to build capacity and service awareness among Post-Secondary Institution staff, and will address how to support racialized students when they come forward with disclosures of sexual violence.
- Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024
- 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location TBD (Downtown Campus)
About Suzanne M. Charles Watson
Suzanne M. Charles Watson is an IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Sustainability) Strategist, living and working to champion human rights and social justice. Her work is grounded in principles of community, respect, empathy, authenticity, transparency, and engagement; is informed by an equity and intersectionality lens, rooted in a human rights-based, Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression (ARAO) framework; and is intentional in the creation of safe, equitable and culturally aligned and affirming spaces. She holds a master’s degree in Development Studies, specializing in Gender Equity and Social Policy Analysis; as well as a post-graduate diploma in International Relations and a BSc. in Sociology, with honors. She is certified in Project Management and has received advanced training in Social Research Methods as well as in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
About Janelle Noel
Janelle began her career in the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC) at Women’s College Hospital 27 years ago when she secured a placement there through her college program. After being hired on, Janelle spent the next four years at SA/DVCC as the Service Coordinator, before changing roles and going to work for the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. There, she worked in an expansive role, assisting the provincial coordinator in research, education and training initiatives for all nurses, social workers and physicians in the province of Ontario. In 2008, Janelle felt a calling to come back to her roots at the SA/DVCC at Women’s College. Since that time, and in her reprised role of the Service Coordinator, and continues to work in such areas as client service provision and community outreach, working collaboratively to spearhead involvement in community projects, awareness and prevention. She is most passionate about and inspired by young people and feels most fulfilled by the opportunity to help marginalized communities access care and support who are or may become victims/survivors of sexual or intimate partner violence.