Initiatives by Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education

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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. 

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Approximately 400 people attended the event, with a majority of participants actively answering questions and being very engaged.

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.

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98%
of participants felt more equipped to handle rejection after the workshop.

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

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100%
of participants stated they would try to implement journaling in their daily lives after the session.
The more you know: STI Awareness tabling

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.

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visitors came by the booth to learn more about STIs. 93% said they walked away feeling more informed and educated on the topic.

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.

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90%
of participants felt more relaxed and grounded after the activity.

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.

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Participants reported feeling more relaxed and better able to express emotions after sessions. Observations indicated increased creative engagement and willingness to share personal insights.

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.

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90%
of participants reported increased confidence.

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.

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92%
of participants felt inspired to explore creative outlets further. The event left an impact, fostered creative expression and promoted personal growth.

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.

 

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87%
of participants reported reduced stress levels after sessions.

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.

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Over 20 ribbons were made, with 90% of participants reporting increased awareness. Group discussions reflected strong engagement and highlighted a commitment to ending gender-based violence.

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.

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92%
of participants reported increased social connections.

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. 

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Most participants stated that they felt safer and more confident after attending this self-defence class.
Understanding situationships and dealing with rejection

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.

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All participants shared that this event helped them understand relationships/situationships better than before.

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

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All participants reported feeling happier and more relaxed following this session.

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. 

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The majority of participants found this event to be interesting and informative.

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.

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85% of participants reported feeling more connected to their community after the event. In our feedback surveys, 90% of attendees stated that the sessions helped them better manage stress.

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.

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These events aim to raise awareness about the issues surrounding consent, empower community members to advocate for themselves and others, disrupt myths and share survivor stories.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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.

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200+
York community members were reached.

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. 

Art therapy workshops create environments that encourage healthy self-expression and facilitate meaningful self-connection.

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.

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events will be available throughout the week to promote Consent Action Week.
Teaching incoming students consent training

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.

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400+
students attended across the week of events and activities.
Planting workshop to help with grounding

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 planting workshop helped individuals ground themselves, connect with the community and nature to create a sense of belonging.
Supporting the York community through planting workshops

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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When discussing sexual violence prevention, it is crucial that we provide our community with an opportunity to discuss sex education and healing through self-advocacy and self-care.

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.

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The event will be open to students, staff & faculty.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

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. 

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200+
people viewed the memorial service, virtually and in-person.

"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.

 

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New art therapy workshop teaches stress management

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.

 

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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.

 

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Join us for Consent Week from January 24 - 28, 2022

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!

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No artistic experience is required and all artistic levels are welcome! Paper and colouring instruments are all that is needed to participate.

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.

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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.

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Two sessions with this group have been completed so far. There have been over 40 community members participate in each session.

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.

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