Vikes campaign promotes awareness of sexualized violence prevention

UVic Vikes Athletics and Recreation, a department within Student Affairs, is partnering with the Office of Equity and Human Rights to champion sexualized violence prevention through an education and training campaign.

“We all have individual, collective and institutional responsibility to prevent sexualized violence, and this campaign will reinforce our intent to be leaders in making our facilities safe, inclusive and welcoming for the diverse population that we serve,” says Clint Hamilton, director of Vikes athletics and recreation.

The Vikes have begun work with Leah Shumka, sexualized violence prevention and education coordinator, and the Anti-Violence Project, a UVSS resource for students. They're developing a training program for student athletes, frontline student staff and full-time staff, to raise awareness of sexualized violence and how to prevent it. It’s expected to be in place by early 2018.

The partnership also includes a sign and poster campaign across Vikes facilities that will reinforce education about sexualized violence.

Preventing sexualized violence starts with attitudes and beliefs about building a culture of consent and respect. The campaign will ensure that all participants and users of the facilities are aware and understand the definition of sexualized violence in the context of healthy active living and competitive sport, says Hamilton.

Sexualized violence includes any non-consensual act or behaviour that targets a person’s sexuality, sex or gender. The policy, as well as information about support and resources, can be accessed on the Equity and Human Rights website at uvic.ca/equity.