Everyone has a role to play in preventing sexual violence, which is why the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis is offering workshops to teach people the skills they need to engage in this work.
“Often times, we see sexual violence as reacted and responded to when it happens, but really, what this month asks is to make prevention, and be proactive about preventing sexual violence and part of one of the ways to do that is to open communication about consent and have workplace policies on anti-harassment," said Jensen Williams, a public educator from GW Women In Crisis talking about Sexual Assault Prevention Month.
Starting May 11, GW Women in Crisis are hosting three free online events. Each event focuses on a different topic, including how to talk to your kids about consent, responding to disclosures about sexual violence and bystander intervention training.
“Peer to peer talking about these things, you can learn a lot, and so this month is really about recognizing the power individuals have to play,” she said.
“There’s probably something in there for everyone, in terms of what skills they’re hoping to walk away with.”
Sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada that is not declining, says Williams.
"I think people are aware of its prevalence, and because it's so prevalent, people tend to normalize it as being a part of life's experience."
She also adds there are misconceptions about how to prevent sexual violence, putting the responsibility of stopping assaults on victims.
"We sometimes hear the narrative that individuals can prevent their own assault by dressing differently, didn't go out with strangers, didn't get drunk or fought back harder."
To counteract these taboos and create a culture of consent, Williams said interpersonal education and conversations are key in raising awareness, supporting survivors and calling out inappropriate behaviour.
“Within these events, it’s giving people more knowledge and more tools is really key in sexual violence prevention and involving everyone in this work,” she said.
Seeing a higher engagement online with their programs, Williams hopes many people will tune in to learn of ways they can support survivors this month and every month.
“The workshops are really focused on giving them the skills and empowering them with the tools to stop sexual violence in their personal lives, at work, at school ... so more people feel as though they are a part of the solution,” said Williams.
For more details about these upcoming events and how to register, click here.
