Tackling sexual violence on college and university campuses

The Provincial Draw-The-Line Post-Secondary Sexual Violence Prevention Awards

TORONTO, July 5, 2017 /CNW/ - In partnership with the Ministry of the Status of Women, White Ribbon is excited to announce the recipients of the first Provincial Draw-The-Line Post-Secondary Sexual Violence Prevention Awards. These awards recognize students, student leaders, institutions, post-secondary athletes, and college and university community members for their outstanding efforts in sexual violence prevention.

One in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. While men are also victims of sexual violence, in 99% of sexual assaults, the accused perpetrator is male. This means that sexual violence is a widespread and deep rooted cultural problem. One that affects college and university campuses uniquely and one that requires new and dynamic strategies.

Through the Province of Ontario's Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment, the Ministry of the Status of Women is working with White Ribbon to engage students on campuses across the province on the positive role they play in preventing sexual violence and harassment on campus and challenging the culture of violence.

The Provincial Draw-The-Line Post-Secondary Sexual Violence Prevention Awards recognize actors on campuses across Ontario that have developed innovative ways of addressing and re-defining sexual violence prevention programming on campus. They play positive roles as effective change-agents, allies, and active bystanders in preventing and ending sexual violence against women and girls.

The award recipients for summer 2017 are:

Elizabeth Brulé – Professor, Engaged Education, York University

Chris Moulton – Alumni Advancement Manager - University of Guelph

Sarah Wiley – Student Leader, University of Waterloo

"Congratulations to the recipients of the first Provincial Draw-The-Line Post-Secondary Awards. It's important to celebrate those men and women who challenge unacceptable attitudes and behaviours about sexual violence on campus. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their daily lives, and programs like this one lead to change and ensure the success of Ontario's Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan."

—Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister of the Status of Women

Draw-The-Line/Tracons-Les-Limites is an ongoing provincial campaign that challenges common myths about sexual violence and equips those closest to women and girls with the skills to intervene effectively.

White Ribbon is the world's largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

Starting in 1991, White Ribbon asked men to wear white ribbons as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Since then the White Ribbon has spread to over 60 countries around the world.

We work to examine the root causes of gender-based violence and create a cultural shift that helps bring us to a future without violence.

Award recipient bios can be found on whiteribbon.ca/preventionawards

SOURCE White Ribbon Campaign

For more information about the award recipients, the post-secondary Draw-The-Line project, or White Ribbon, please contact Trevor Mayoh, White Ribbon, [email protected], 416-920-6684 ext. 17.