Queen’s marks Consent Awareness Week

Queen’s University is marking Consent Awareness Week Sept.18-22, in support of its ongoing commitment to creating a campus free of sexual violence.

A series of events are scheduled throughout the week, providing an opportunity for campus community members to engage in conversations and activities to help build a consent culture. Activities will provide opportunities for discussion and learning opportunities.

“Sexual and gender-based violence are monumental issues present in our society and especially on university campuses. Prevention strategies must be rooted in community mobilization, comprehensive education, structural change, and building awareness,” says Rebecca Rappeport, Community Outreach and Student Support Worker with Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services. “Consent Awareness Week provides an opportunity for the campus community to engage, learn, and build more connections, responses, and action to build a safer campus.”

Hosted and organized by Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services, The Queen’s Shift Project, and multiple campus partners, Consent Awareness Week is also recognized by other post-secondary institutions and municipalities across Ontario. An awareness campaign, and training workshops are also part of the week, and will help highlight the importance of consent in all our lives and relationships.

Consent Awareness Week Events

Tuesday, Sept. 19 - We Believe You Day 

• 10 a.m.: We Believe You Day Booths (Queen's Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mackintosh-Corry Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mitchell Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; La Salle Building, Front Desk; Victoria Hall, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; ILC - Beamish Munro-Hall; Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre) 
• 1 p.m.: Drop In Trauma Informed Mindfulness 
• 6:30 p.m.: We Believe You Day Residence Booth

Wednesday, Sept. 20 

• 1 p.m.: Four Directions Sharing Circle (Feminine Energies) 
• 2 p.m.: Social Issues Commission Booth (Queen's Centre) 
• 4 p.m.: Building a Consent Culture Workshop (Online) 
• 5:30 p.m.: safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone)

Thursday, Sept. 21 

• 11 a.m.: Identifying & Responding to Someone in Distress (Mental Health Training) 
• 1:30 p.m.: Four Directions Sharing Circle (Masculine Energies)

Friday Sept. 22 

• Noon: Sexual Violence Bystander Training (Online) 
• 4 p.m.: Consent Crafternoon 
• 4:45 p.m.: Consent Jeopardy

The full list of events is available on the Campus Wellness website.

Ongoing education and events 

The university offers year-round opportunities for students to build their awareness and skills in relation to gender-based violence and bystander intervention, including a certificate program run by trained peers. Information can be found on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services website.

Open training sessions are also available for staff and faculty focused on responding to disclosures around sexual violence. Further information and registration is available online.

Support for survivors of sexual violence 

Any student in need of support or information about options and next steps is encouraged to contact Queen’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator, Barb Lotan, at bjl7@queensu.ca.

Learn more on the Queen’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response website.

There are a number of other resources also available for students who have been impacted by sexual violence, including Student Wellness Services, the Human Rights and Equity Office, the Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, and the AMS Peer Support Centre.

For free 24/7 crisis support, students can also turn to Empower Me, and Good2Talk. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program. A crisis support line operated by SACK is available to all community members.

Note: This article originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.