1.1. Why is it Important to Learn about Sexual Violence?

Unfortunately, whether we realize it or not, we all know someone who has been affected by sexual violence. It could be a family member, friend, colleague, fellow student, or ourselves. Statistics tell us that half of all trans and gender fluid people will experience sexual violence, 1 in 3 women will experience sexual violence, and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence, often before the age of 12.

Being aware of and understanding sexual violence can be important to your role on campus. You may be in a leadership position on campus, for instance, a TA or a residence don, or as a staff or faculty member. You will be an important contact for students, and they may come to you with questions about sexual violence or in need of support regarding an incident of sexual violence. Being aware and educated will allow you to be a more effective leader and provide the support needed for those impacted by sexual violence.

As a staff or faculty member you are in a role that educates, mentors, and leads students as well as fellow staff and faculty. They will look up to you, come to you for support, and model your behaviour. Understanding sexual violence and how it may impact academic achievement and capacity, as well as workplace wellbeing, is imperative to ensuring the success of your students and colleagues.

As a student, your current or future career may put you in a position of managing others. Awareness of sexual violence will allow you to support your team and potentially prevent sexual harassment in the workplace that can lead to unhealthy and toxic work environments. As a team leader or manager, you will be called upon to both prevent and respond to sexual harassment in your workplace. Understanding what sexual violence is will allow you to support your team more effectively and contribute to building a healthy workplace.

You may also be a student supporting a friend. When we work together and care for one another, it makes campus life better for everyone.

Sexual violence can have long-term and devastating impacts. We all deserve a safe place to learn and work, yet sexual harassment and sexual violence remain an unfortunate reality that occurs much too often on university campuses. By completing the modules, you will become more aware of how sexual violence affects your campus and your community, and you will be in a better position to support yourself, your family, your friends, your fellow classmates, and your fellow colleagues.