Online Training Modules

Training

An integral part of the University’s commitment to its community to study, work, and live in a campus environment free from sexual violence, is to make available resources to educate the community, support survivors and respond to sexual violence. Through education, the University seeks to raise awareness of issues related to sexual violence, promote healthy and respectful relationships, and foster individual and collective action against violence towards a safe and respectful culture at York University.

Training Module 1: Sexual Violence Response & Awareness (All Community Members)

This training opportunity will assist you in better understanding the Policy on Sexual Violence Response generally, as well as the University’s process for responding to and addressing incidents and complaints of sexual violence.

At the conclusion of this training, you will be asked to complete a brief quiz to test your knowledge and then a certificate of completion will be forthcoming.

In order to access this training, please click this link:
Sexual Violence Response & Awareness Training

Training Module 2 - Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (Staff & Faculty):

With funding support provided through Ontario’s Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence Western University has partnered with George Brown College and an advisory committee with representatives from Brock University, University of Toronto, York University, University of Windsor, Sault College, Fanshawe College, Queen's University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Nipissing University, the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres and the Canadian Federation of Students to investigate the training needs of campus support workers on both university and college campuses and to design & produce a modular, online training program that can be adapted to the needs of individual institutions.

Education for campus support workers is crucial. If they are not prepared to intervene skillfully when they respond to survivors of sexual violence they can cause further harm. Secondary victimization refers to responses by helping professionals who are victim-blaming or unsupportive. Researchers have documented the profound negative effects that secondary victimization has on survivors, evidence of the need for well and carefully trained campus support workers.

Responding to sexual violence demands special care and increased ethical sensitivity. It requires specialized communication skills, understanding of the law, equity issues and intersectionality and awareness of the psychological impact of trauma.

This online training employs scenario based interactive learning, a style that meets the needs of adult learners, engaging them in identifying and evaluating effective responses to disclosures of sexual violence. Components of effective interventions to enhance organizational capacity are also incorporated, ensuring that the confidence to intervene, and a sense of responsibility are shared amongst campus members working in various roles and departments.

Learning objectives for this training are:

- To improve the knowledge and skills of faculty and staff in Ontario Colleges and Universities so that they are prepared to support survivors of sexual violence at the moment of disclosure.

- To teach how to apply a strong gender analysis and anti-oppression and intersectional approach to providing supportive disclosures.

In order to access the training please click on this link, and a certificate will be emailed to you upon completion: Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence training

If you require support upon completion of the training please call the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education at 416-736-5211.