King's will provide gender-based and sexual violence prevention training

May 4, 2022

LONDON, ON – As part of a shared commitment to create safe, open campus spaces, Brescia, Huron and King’s University Colleges are launching mandatory gender-based sexual violence (GBSV) prevention training for all student leaders and incoming first-year students.

We know that education is key to preventing and challenging the patterns that lead to gender-based violence. For this reason, the three affiliate universities will be providing students with training through Anova, a London-based charity that works to create a future without violence by supporting survivors of gender-based violence through shelter and counselling and engaging in prevention education training. These interactive workshops will aim to provide an understanding of gender-based violence in order to create a safe space for all students on campus.

Student leaders will participate in this training over the summer, while first-year students will be required to participate in the training ahead of their arrival on campus in Fall 2022. Sexual violence disclosure training is already required for all staff and faculty.

"As Canada’s only women’s university, Brescia does not tolerate any form of gender-based violence. This training is one step towards ensuring the University is a safe, respectful community to study, work and live for all and Brescia commits to taking additional steps in partnership with our students, faculty, staff." - Dr. Melanie Molnar, Registrar, Brescia University College

“Every student has the right to feel safe and welcome on campus – that’s our primary concern at Huron. Through this training, we can challenge the patterns and behaviours that result in gender-based violence and create a culture rooted in inclusivity, tolerance and safety.” - Jennifer Flynn-Clark, AVP, Students, Huron University College

"Working with our King's University College Students' Council (KUCSC) student leaders, the Red Zone research group and campus partners, we are committed to enhancing our education initiatives related to GBSV. King’s will put specific focus on the effects of toxic masculinity on campus, and increasing awareness of GBSV supports for 2SLGBTQI+ and those who identify as Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour as part of our commitment to diversity.” - Joe Henry, Dean of Students, King’s University College

Brescia, Huron and King’s University Colleges are committed to taking action to prevent gender-based and sexual violence on campus, and we continue to work with student leadership and Western University on how best to make our community a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Brescia University College has collaborated with the Brescia University College Students’ Council (BUCSC) and employer staff groups regarding the safety of our community. It has been identified that additional runs in the evenings from the Brescia/King’s shuttle was needed and has since been implemented, and additional lighting on Brescia Lane has been identified and will be introduced summer 2022. 

This past year, Brescia has also joined forces with Togetherall, an accessible 24/7 anonymous online space to students, in addition to the existing health and wellness resources that are currently available.

For more information, visit our Safe Campus website.

Huron University College Community Safety Office was established in 2019 to offer training, awareness and preventative programming related to safety issues on campus, particularly gender-based sexual violence. Our Gender-Based Sexual Violence Policy was reviewed in Summer 2021 and updated in September 2021. As well, Huron’s Wellness Centre and Foot Patrol are available to all students. For more information, please visit our website. 

King’s University College working with our student leaders, staff and faculty, has developed three strategic initiatives to address the issues of gender and sexual based violence.  1) Our current Board policy and procedures have been reviewed and will be brought to the Board of Directors. When approved, these will enhance supports to survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. 2) A Campus and Community Social Worker/Case Manager role was created in 2021 to continue to break down barriers for those who disclose/need support and simplify the complaint process. 3) All staff/faculty are required to complete GBSV disclosure and policy training.

 

Media Contacts

Emily Morphy
Communications, Marketing & External Relations Officer
Brescia University College
emorphy@uwo.ca
Ph:519.432.8353 x28151
@bresciauc
www.brescia.uwo.ca

Drew Davidson
AVP, Marketing & Communications
Huron University College
drew.davidson@huron.uwo.ca
C: 519-200-0186
@huronatwestern
www.huronatwestern.ca

Jane Antoniak, MCM, APR
Director, Communications & Media Relations
King’s University College
jane.antoniak@kings.uwo.ca
C: 519-719-9366
@kingsatwestern
www.kings.uwo.ca