Initiatives by Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education

This event was an engaging and educational trivia night focused on consent and sexual health. Participants tested their knowledge through interactive questions covering topics like boundaries, communication, contraception and STI prevention.

Participants joined The Centre for a supportive workshop designed to help them understand and navigate the emotional impact of rejection. Through guided activities and discussions, attendees learned strategies to build resilience, boost self-worth and turn setbacks into growth opportunities.

Participants took time to pause, reflect and reconnect through guided mindfulness and journaling prompts. No experience was needed – just curiosity and an open mind!

Visitors stopped by to learn facts about sexual health and STI prevention in a friendly and judgment-free space. They explored resources, asked public health nurses questions and picked up free educational materials to empower themselves and their communities.

The art therapy session combined artistic expression with therapeutic techniques to promote self-awareness, healing and personal growth – with a focus on painting. Participants expressed themselves, reduced stress and explored their emotions in a safe and creative space.

Participants experienced the healing power of creativity during The Centre's art therapy session. The program aims to foster creativity and provides participants with a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions through art.

The Centre collaborated with Coach Asma for an exciting, interactive workshop focusing on empowerment, where participants discovered how to protect themselves in real-life situations.

The Centre held an evening of spoken word poetry where poets and storytellers shared powerful narratives that celebrated resilience and identity. The event created a safe space to explore themes of empowerment and social justice, igniting conversations and connections.

The Centre offered a specialized form of yoga that recognizes the profound impact of trauma on individuals’ physical, emotional and mental well-being. The yoga program fostered resilience, emotional regulation and self-awareness, supporting student well-being.

The Centre and Athletics & Recreation made ribbons to promote awareness and foster a commitment to ending gender-based violence. The purple and white ribbons represent ending violence against women, and men's promises to end violence against women and girls.

The Centre offered a board game night as an opportunity for participants to meet new people, unwind and enjoy a relaxed evening of friendly competition. The event promoted social connection, collaboration and stress relief.

Acts of Resistance (AoR) is a feminist self-defence program for women and non-binary folks, combining psychoeducation and physical instruction, with instructors trained to adapt techniques for various physical abilities and tailor content to participants' needs.

During Consent Action Week, The Centre hosted an engaging sharing circle where we delved into the complexities of situationships and offered valuable insights on navigating rejection, managing emotions, setting boundaries and enhancing communication.

During this month's workshop, participants grounded themselves through the healing elements of nature and experienced the art of planting.

The Centre hosted a pleasure-based event that celebrated self-discovery and joy. Over 400 people engaged in discussions focused on sensuality and creativity while connecting with others in a safe and supportive environment.

The recent art therapy event welcomed thirty participants who were eager to improve their well-being. Through a mindful clay activity, we explored stress and mindfulness, allowing everyone to express themselves creatively.

During the week of January 22, the Centre will host several events to educate and empower York community members. Explore mindfulness sessions, writing letters of love to survivors, a riveting talk with the esteemed queer Pakistani Canadian Samra Habib, a Wen-Do self-defence class and more.

During the annual global campaign against gender-based violence, a variety of workshops were held at York. Topics included healthy relationships, misogynoir awareness, empowering student-athletes to advocate against violence against women, children and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and more.

During fall Well-being Week, the Centre organized an online workshop entitled Self-Care Through Art. Participants were encouraged to delve into therapeutic techniques aimed at cultivating a sustainable self-care practice that could be incorporated into their daily lives.

During Consent Action Week, community members can attend a series of educational events teaching how to communicate consent and desire to partners, managing rejection, reclaiming personal agency and feeling safe and empowered in situations that may require self-defence.

During Orientation week, the Centre hosted events with each of York’s colleges and Faculties that focused on consent to increase awareness of its importance in the community, share existing support for survivors and promote ally engagement.

In July, the Centre collaborated with the Greenhouse to cultivate green thumb community members in a fun and inclusive environment. Participants grounded themselves with a tour of the greenhouse, picked out plants and learned how to properly pot and care for them.

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education collaborated with the on-campus Greenhouse to create a planting workshop for students, staff and faculty to help ground them during this busy summer season. There will be another workshop on Wednesday, July 26 from noon to 1 p.m.

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the achievements of women, and a call to action for gender equality. This year's campaign theme was #EmbraceEquity and the Centre hosted events that seek to challenge gender stereotypes and bias.

As a part of Consent Action Week, the Centre hosted a series of educational events that focused on self-advocacy and care with the goal to increase awareness of matters of consent, sharing existing support for survivors and promoting ally engagement.
On Thursday, January 26, the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education will host Consent Action Day. With speakers, practitioners and institutions across Ontario, this event will explore conversations on consent, healthy relationships, pleasure and healing through the arts.

As a part of the 16 Days of Activism, an annual memorial service was hosted to commemorate the tragic mass shooting at L'École Polytechnique in Montréal on December 6, 1989. This ceremony honours the 14 murdered women and inspires our community to act against gender-based violence.

"Finding your Flow" is an art therapy group where participants are welcome to make art and connect with each other in an online community. No previous art making skills or experience is required to join. Register by emailing thecentre@yorku.ca.

Join us as we celebrate, honour and reflect on the various journey’s our panelist have encountered, and how their resilience has moved them forward in healing. We welcome you to celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we create connection across communities.
..jpg)
The Art of Letting Go workshop encourages participants to explore different and creative ways to release stress. Attendees go through a series of process-focused art and mindfulness practices. No prior art experience is required to join this workshop.

Join the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education as we raise awareness about consent during Consent Action Week at York U from Jan. 24 to 28. Virtual workshops, guest lectures and training is open to students, staff and faculty.

From October to December 2021, Art Therapy group sessions are available for all York University community members. Participate and explore the therapeutic benefits of art making, such as: self-expression, stress relief, relaxation, and much more!

Fathers have had a lot on their plates during this pandemic. To provide a safer space for dads, The Centre is hosting weekly support groups starting on June 20 to connect, converse and share coping strategies about during these unprecedented times.

Mothering has been frontline work during this pandemic. To provide a safer space for moms, The Centre is hosting weekly sessions for moms to share, connect, support each other, build community, and discuss coping strategies.

York University Pride 2021 will be held on June 21-25, 2021, and will celebrate and honour Artists and Activism. The week of Pride is being organized by SexGen, with the support of The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.
Connect with York University