Consent Awareness Week is an educational initiative held at universities across the country. The week is an opportunity for campus communities to create a dialogue about consent and healthy relationships, and increase understanding of sexual violence. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of on- and off-campus services.
This year we are once again taking the lead of student advocates and members of the Ontario University Sexual Violence Network by marking this week in September in order to align with the increased risk of sexual violence and harassment that accompanies the start of the new academic year, commonly referred to as the Red Zone. Follow along and share what you’re up to by using #WeBelieveYou and #ConsentAwarenessWeek.
How will you mark Consent Awareness Week? Here are three ideas to get you started.
Join Queer Orientation Sessions
In-Person at UTSC: Join us at the Queer Orientation Mix & Mingle Event on Wednesday, September 17th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Paint terra cotta pots and enjoy free food on UTSC’s campus. Make new friends, learn about relevant services, and have fun!
Virtual and Tri-Campus: Can lesbians get STIs? How do I have gender-affirming sex? Join educator Eva Bloom (they/them) for this shame-free, fun, and interactive sex education workshop. You’ll learn communication tips, queer & trans inclusive pleasure anatomy, sex and dating beyond cisheteronormative scripts, and how to manage your sexual health.
Learn About Sexual Violence Prevention and Support with Our CCR Certification
The Foundations in Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Certification encourages students to build-up a culture of consent within their own campus community. Participating students will learn about consent, communication, bystander intervention, and how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence in a trauma-informed way. Students will also have the opportunity to develop emotional regulation and decompression tactics through crafting, writing, and conversation-based sessions.
This CCR-recognized activity combines online reflection with synchronous trainings, and interactive, in-person programming, to foster learning and develop student leadership skills.
Build Community at Drop-In Programming
The SVPS Centre is deeply invested in education initiatives and continues to raise awareness through workshops, trainings, programs, and campaigns.
In addition to offering unique, standalone events throughout the year, as well as trainings and workshops by request, the Centre offers several ongoing programs for members of the U of T community.
These welcoming, supportive spaces are all about building-up a community of care on campus, and providing regular, dependable support to all.