Queen’s University is marking Consent Awareness Week from Sept.16-20 with a series of events to support its ongoing commitment to creating a campus free of sexual violence.

Events are being held throughout the week, allowing campus community members to engage in conversations and activities as the university continues to build a consent culture. 

“Sexual and gender-based violence prevention efforts require community mobilization, comprehensive education, increased  awareness of issues and commitment to change,” says Barb Lotan, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator with Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services (SVPRS). “Consent Awareness Week provides an opportunity for the entire community to engage and build more connections, share resources and move together towards building a safer campus.”
Learn more about Consent Awareness Week and the full list of events.

Consent Awareness Week Highlights

Thursday, Sept. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. – Take Back the Night 
Hosted by Walkhome through the AMS, and with support from SVPRS and community partners including SACK and Kingston Interval House, this event will feature a march and speakers addressing the importance of safety and support for survivors. Come out, raise your voice, and march for a safer, more inclusive campus for tomorrow and today.

Friday, Sept. 20, doors open at 6:45 p.m.  – Swing Dance 
Ban Righ Hall, Fireside Lounge
Swing dance is a fun and energetic way to move that also emphasizes the importance of consent. In swing dance, partners ask each other to dance and respect a “no” gracefully. This event is organized with the support of the Queen's Swing Dance Club. A beginner lesson will start things off at 7 p.m., with a social dance starting at 8 p.m. where you can ask others to dance and practice your new moves. 

All members of the Kingston and Queen’s communities are welcome at both events! 

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 with workshops facilitated 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 of sexual violence. Further information and registration is available online.

To request a workshop or presentation for your employee or student group, please contact Rebecca Rappeport at SVPREducation@queensu.ca 

Support for survivors of sexual violence

Any student in need of support or information about options and next steps is encouraged to contact the 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 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.