Creating a safe and welcoming environment together
UM launches sexual violence support and education awareness campaign
At the University of Manitoba we believe that providing an outstanding work and learning environment is foundational to achieving our mission and vision, as outlined in our strategic plan.
We believe that together we can create a culture of consent, respect, trust and inclusivity across our campuses, in all of our classrooms, boardrooms and common spaces, and that sexual violence has no place on our campuses or in the lives of our students, staff or faculty.
Together we are stronger. This is the theme of the UM’s sexual violence awareness campaign, launching in September. The campaign focuses on collective responsibility – everyone must stand together against sexual violence. Students, faculty and staff can do so by making themselves aware of how to give support to those who may need it, by getting informed about the education and prevention resources available, by ensuring that survivors know where they can get support, and by contributing toward a culture of inclusion where survivors can tell someone and know their voices are heard and respected.
“We are proud to launch the ‘Together we are stronger’ sexual violence awareness campaign,” says Janice Ristock, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “It is our hope that by broadly sharing the programming and resources available to students, faculty and staff and taking a strong stand against sexual violence, we can improve the culture at the UM. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students and staff.”
The campaign was timed to launch for the first weeks of classes. This is a time when historically the highest rates of sexual violence are reported. The ultimate goal of this campaign is to see a decrease in the number of incidents of sexual violence and ensure that all members of our community know how to get, and give, support related to sexual violence, whether it happens on campus or off. Awareness of the resources available, and the reinforcement of UM’s consent culture is one way that this campaign will help to make this university a safe and inclusive place for all.
A Community Presentation on Sexual Violence will be taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. in the Manitoba Room, UMSU University Centre, to discuss a report that was drafted to help guide the UM to better address sexual violence, harassment and discrimination. Those on Bannatyne campus can take part via video conference in Frederic Gaspard Theatre, Basic Medical Sciences Building.
You can find more information about the resources available and the UM’s commitment to ensuring a respectful work and learning environment for all, on our sexual violence website.