National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

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The pan-University memorial ceremony and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is fully supported by President and Vice Chancellor, Rhonda Lenton, Provost and Vice-President Academic, Lisa Philipps, Vice-President Finance and Administration, Carol McAulay, Vice-Provost, Students, Lucy Fromowitz and Vice-President Equity, People and Culture, Sheila Cote-Meek.

Content warning: We recognize that our audiences are people with lives, histories and struggles that we are not privy to. As such, please note that the memorial ceremony and community events will mention different forms of sexual violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment and murder. Please prioritize your health and wellbeing and take the space that you need for each event. For more resources and supports, community members can contact The Centre (thecentre@yorku.ca).

York University Memorial Ceremony: December 6, 2021

Join us as we honour those we have lost and reflect on renewing our commitment to take action on ending gender-based violence. Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community and take action to support those who are experiencing violence and refer them to appropriate services. It is our hope that the events we have planned will not only honour those who we have lost, but help enable our community to take action and support those who require our help today.

National Day of Remembrance Virtual Memorial Ceremony
When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: YouTube livestream link.

With ASL

This event has been made possible through the kind collaboration between the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (The Centre), the York Federation of Students, the Community Safety Department, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services, Glendon College Student Union, Student Counselling, Health & Well-being and the Lassonde School of Engineering.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: November 25 to December 10, 2021

This year, the global theme for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”. In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education is partnering with McMaster University, Nipissing University, Queens University and University of Ottawa to collaboratively host events across institutions during the 16 days. All events are open to the public. Participating in community events and conversations such as these helps to eliminate gendered violence.

Thursday, November 25

Nneka (Women at the Centre) - Femicide of Black Women, Girls and Gender-Diverse People in Canada

When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Women at the Centre - A Survivor-led Empowering Make-Up Night

When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Women at the Centre York University Chapter presents "Wake Up and Make Up" hosted by Christabell Appiah – an empowerment make-up session supporting survivors in expressing self-love in the form of pampering.

University of Ottawa Kick-off Fair - Affirmative Art Workshop by Hana Shafi

When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Online
Register Now

Residence Students are invited to join Hana Shafi (Frizz Kid Art) for an afternoon virtual crafting session. This session is open to all folks who want to explore their creative side by designing their own affirmation artwork or painting/coloring affirmation art designed by Hana.
In anticipation of the session, please check out Hana Shafi’s Instagram page: @frizzkidart. Hana Shafi is a writer and artist who illustrates under the name Frizz Kid. Both her visual art and writing frequently explore themes such as feminism, body politics, racism and pop culture.

Friday, November 26

Consent Talks: A Consent Play

When: Friday, Nov. 26, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Zoom (online)
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Facilitated by The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education.

Created in collaboration with Vanier College Productions, Consent Talks is a short film about sex and consent, focusing on the university experience during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Some themes include virtual hook-ups, sexual violence, online harassment, and the impact of social media and physical distancing rules.

Monday, November 29

Women at the Centre - Behind the Neuroscience of Intimate Partner Violence and Acquired Brain Injury with Gifty Asare

Providing a Neuroscientific Lens on the Impacts of IPV and ABI+B7.
When: Monday, November 29
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

The intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Acquired Brain Injury (IPV-ABI) is significant as each is associated with its own cognitive, mental and physical health challenges. Along with increased rates of IPV and levels of injury severity brought on by COVID-19, understanding the neuroscience behind ABI can help highlight and outline how IPV-ABI has substantial economic, social and health-related ramifications.

WomanACT - Creating a Culture of Safety Workshop

When: Monday, Nov. 29, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Zoom (online)
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

During the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence Campaign, join a workshop about Creating a Culture of Safety: Ending Violence against Women at Work. Understand the prevalence of gender-based violence in Canada, the myths around it and organizational responsibilities. Learn how to be an active bystander inside and outside of the workplace and show your commitment to ending gender-based violence.

Tuesday, November 30

Online Consent & Digital Safety Workshop | Nipissing University

When: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register Now

Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre. Interested in learning how you can create a consent culture online? Join us for a free session hosted by Amelia Rising on online violence prevention and digital safety. This jam-packed session will introduce topics related to sexting, revenge porn, social media, online trafficking/ luring, grooming, legal options, your online/digital rights and more.
www.nipissingu.ca.

Daniella Robinson - Native Child

When: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

This workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning more about sexual violence, the intersections of gender-based violence and colonialism, and strategies for positive change. Daniella will provide an overview of her work as the supervisor of an Anti-Human Trafficking team supporting Indigenous survivors and her own research as a student in a doctoral-level Human Sexuality program.

Wednesday, December 1

Active Bystander Session

When: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Hosted by The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education. Our Active Bystander program aims to educate our community members about what sexual violence is, how to support someone, and how to empower individuals and refer them to resources. As an active bystander, you can help decrease these barriers for survivors to report an incident or reach out for support by contributing to a culture that takes the issue seriously and aims to prevent additional violence from occurring.

Thursday, December 2

Thursday Process Group

When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Facilitated by Scott Pope from Student Counselling & Well-being (SCHW) and Brittany Lawson from The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education. The group is led by a SCHW counsellor. Topics discussed change on a weekly basis and are student-driven according to need. Students have an opportunity to obtain psychoeducation and provide their peers with mutual support, information and skills.

Draw the Line Against Transphobic Violence Webinar - Queen's University

When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
Time: noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register Now

70% of trans youth (aged 14-25) surveyed in a University of British Columbia study reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or violence (Vaele, 2015)*. Stats like this only begin to reveal the huge obstacles and risks facing trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students due to a dangerous combination of transphobia and sexual violence present in school cultures and broader communities.
This interactive 90-minute facilitator-led webinar by EGALE will help participants better recognize and intervene in harmful behaviours as they arise, while also building strategies to proactively foster school conditions grounded in consent, trans affirmation, and safer relationships overall. The impacts of COVID-19 as they relate to these issues will also be discussed.

Having a foundational understanding of trans identities and gender diversity prior to the session is recommended. Brush up on basics by exploring these resources: https://egale.ca/egale-in-action/draw-the-line-atv-2021.

University of Ottawa - Wellness Hub Tabling

When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register Now

The Human Rights Office will be at the Wellness Hub to answer all your questions on sexual violence, discrimination and harassment. Come by with your specific questions or just to say hello!

Friday, December 3

SHARE - A Matter of Consent: Understanding Consent in Law and Culture

When: Friday, Dec. 3, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Consent is both mandatory and complicated. There is an ever-changing legal landscape on consent law. Where does the law stand right now? What strategies can you use to ensure you are practicing consent and assert boundaries?
In this interactive webinar you will learn about:

  • Consent law in Canada
  • Power dynamics
  • Pragmatic strategies to assert boundaries
  • Digital consent
  • Strategies for consent

Monday, December 6

Art Therapy Facilitated by Full Circle

When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

This group explores the impact of trauma and inner strength/resiliency, through a combination of artistic expression and group discussion. The topics explored are determined by the group members through the first week, however the following themes are examples of what could be covered in the group: grounding skills, safety/boundaries, self care, relationships/connection, grief and loss, anger, perceptions and belief systems, self-expression and finding our voices, resiliency/personal strengths.

Nipissing University – Dr. Prascilla Settee Presentation

When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
Time: noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Features invited speaker, researcher and faculty member, Dr. Prascilla Settee. Dr. Settee will be sharing stories from her work, The Strength of Women, Âhkamêyimowak, which highlights the stories of 15 Anishnaabe, Cree and Métis women who demonstrate resilience and strength they have brought to their communities, as well as some findings from her recent research project on trafficked women and children in Canada.

Panel on the impacts of COVID 19 on Gender-Based Violence - McMaster University

When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
Time: noon to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register Now

Tuesday, December 7

Survivor Support Group Facilitated by Brittany from The Centre

When: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

This group provides a safe place for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings.
The best thing you can bring to the group is a willingness to listen to others. We do not try to solve every problem, and you do not need to give advice or solutions to others. The facilitators are here to answer questions, guide the discussion and provide resources when needed. The facilitators may be a licensed therapist or a support leader. The online platform used to facilitate this group is Zoom Pro, which is considered a secure private platform but is not compliant with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Therefore, group members are asked not to share personal information they are not comfortable having in the public domain during the group process. We will not be recording any of the group sessions.

Wednesday, December 8

Mindfulness Meditation

When: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Facilitated by Scott Pope from Student Counselling & Well-Being.

Thursday, December 9

Yoga for Trauma Recovery

When: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca
Facilitated by Nicole Brown Faulknor

This unique class is for anyone who is on a path to recovering from physical or emotional trauma. The class aims to give participants tools to understand how trauma affects the body and to let go of trauma stored in the body through movement. Trauma may seem like a loaded word, but it is something that affects many of us through major losses, accidents, violence, or other major life stresses. Everything in the class is optional and beginner friendly.

Process Group

When: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

Facilitated by Scott Pope from Student Counselling & Well-Being (SCHW) and Brittany Lawson from The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education. The group is led by a SCHW counsellor. Topics discussed change on a weekly basis and are student-driven according to need. Students have an opportunity to obtain psychoeducation and provide their peers with mutual support, information and skills.

Friday, December 10

Virtual Talk with The Centre

When: Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: thecentre@yorku.ca

This presentation will address the options around informal resolution and the pathway towards restorative justice for issues related to gender-based violence.

Support Resources

    • The Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support and Education
      • 416 736 5211
      • thecentre@yorku.ca
      • https://thecentre.yorku.ca
    • Student Counselling, Health & Wellbeing (walk-in counselling):
      • 416 736 5297
      • https://counselling.students.yorku.ca
    • Good2Talk 24-hr Student Crisis Line:
      • 1-866-925-5454
    • Employee Assistance Program
      • 1-844-880-9142 (English)
      • 1-844-880-9143 (French)
      • 1-877-338-0275 (TTY) (24/7)
      • hsewb@yorku.ca