AUSU Supports Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Here at AUSU, we are aware of increasing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, resulting from the economic downturn, and further exacerbated by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. In recent months, sexual and gender-based violence has been escalating in what the UN has deemed a “shadow pandemic.” In many countries, resources have been diverted from domestic violence supports to the COVID-19 effort, despite increased calls to domestic violence hotlines and shelters worldwide, including Canada. 

Often, when we speak of sexual and gender-based violence awareness as it pertains to post-secondary institutions, we refer to incidents on campus. With its online framework, AU differs slightly from traditional brick and mortar institutions, since many of our students do not attend classes on a physical campus. 

However, despite studying online, AU students are not immune to sexual and gender-based violence in their daily lives—whether in the home, in their jobs, and in the outside world. Increased attention to these conditions have revealed a system of rape culture, underscored through the #MeToo movement, initially begun by activist Tarana Burke.

When discussing solutions, it is important to take an intersectional approach, first developed by activist and scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw.  While students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels may be affected, many communities face disproportionate rates of violence, as well as systemic barriers to resources, including the often overlapping BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled communities.

In Canada, in particular, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has underscored the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Indigenous women, women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, as a result of historical, as well as continued, systemic barriers to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and cultural support.

Change is needed. We hope that these resources are the first step in helping you find a safe space.

What is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-based violence (GBV) includes sexual, physical, mental, and economic harm, as well as threats of violence, coercion, and manipulation, in the public or private sphere. It can include domestic violence, family violence, sexual violence and harrassment, and human trafficking.

What is Sexual-Based Violence?

Sexual-based violence is a type of gender-based violence in multiple forms, encompassing sexual acts or coerced sexual acts. 

Resources

AU-Based Resources

• Homewood Health Wellness Support Program (Counselling and Support for AU Students)
• TalkCampus (Peer-Support Mental Health app for AU Students)
• Nukskahtowin Meeting Place Resources (Indigenous Student Supports)
• AU Wellness Portal

Canada-Wide Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Signal For Help Campaign
• Ending Violence Association of Canada
• Council of Alberta Post-Secondary Students (CAUS) Whitepaper on Campus Sexual Violence

Alberta Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Family Violence – Get Help with Costs to Leave 
• Family Violence – Find Supports
• Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services 
• Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
• Native Counselling Services of Alberta 
• Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association 
• Alberta’s Pet Safekeeping Program 
• Law Central Alberta – Resources for People with Disabilities 
• Law Central Alberta – Resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

British Columbia Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Assault, and Domestic Violence
• VictimLink BC
• BC Housing: Women Fleeing Violence
• Fraser Health Sexual Assault and Violence Resources
• HealthLink BC Sexual Abuse or Assault

Manitoba Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Domestic Violence Support
• Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters
• Sexual Violence Resources

New Brunswick Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Domestic Violence Outreach Program
• Sexual Violence New Brunswick

Newfoundland Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Domestic Violence Helpline
• NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre

Northwest Territories Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Health and Social Services Family Violence
• Native Women’s Association of the NWT

Nova Scotia Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Nova Scotia Domestic Violence Resource Centre
• Peace Bonds and Protective Orders
• Sexual Assault – Where to Get Help

Nunavut Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Family Violence Resources
• Victim Services

Ontario Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Legal Aid – Ontario – Domestic Violence
• Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women
• Woman Abuse Council of Toronto
• Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/MultiCultural Women Against Rape
• Dawn Ontario: Disabled Women’s Network Ontario
• Immigrant Women’s Services
• Ontario Women’s Justice Network
• Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH)

PEI Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Supports for Family Violence
• The Prince Edward Island Rape and Sexual Assault Centre

Quebec Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Assault Resources
• Tele Aide

Saskatchewan Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

•Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Resources
• Sexual Violence Information and Support

Yukon Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Resources

• Domestic Violence Resources
• Sexual Assault Help

If you have any questions or suggestions for this resource, please contact AUSU at [email protected].