During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25 to Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, we reflect on how we can work together to end gender-based violence. To recognize the 16 Days, Johnston Hall has been lit purple, as purple is a predominant colour in the movement to end gender-based violence.
Today also marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day dedicated to honouring lives lost in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, in which fourteen women were murdered and ten others injured in the name of “fighting feminism,” and committing to working against gender-based violence.
The U of G community is invited to commemorate Dec. 6 at the annual gathering hosted by the School of Engineering in the Adams Atrium, Thornbrough Building, on Dec. 6 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
View events for the 16 Days of Activism, learn other ways to get involved, and access sexual and gender-based violence support and education at U of G via Student Wellness’ news post.
At the University of Guelph, advocating for the safety of our students, faculty and staff in our community as well as contributing to research that supports the elimination of gender-based violence is core to our mission to improve life. Join us as we reflect on work happening across campus to contribute to the movement.
Dr. Myrna Dawson’s research exposes patterns in violence against women and children
As founder and director of the Centre for the Study of Social & Legal Responses to Violence (CSSLRV) and the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice & Accountability as well as a professor of Sociology, Dr. Myrna Dawson has built a global network of colleagues who are researching gender-based violence.
Addressing homelessness for women experiencing violence: a U of G collaboration
A new community-engaged research project at the University of Guelph endeavours to learn more about gender-based violence and the impact of housing instability on the women and families experiencing it. Co-led by Dr. Paula Barata, professor in the Department of Psychology and Dr. Mavis Morton, professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Safe and Stable Housing through Intentional Partnership project (SSHIP) is a starting point to connect academics, community-based service organizations and survivors to better understand and address the crisis of housing insecurity and homelessness.
Sociology professor Dr. Mavis Morton integrates gender-based violence awareness into the curriculum
In two courses that Dr. Mavis Morton teaches, Morton is partnering with provincial organizations to help students dive into this complex issue. In SOC SOC*4030 Women and the Criminal Justice System, the students are working with the Ontario Association of Interval and Transitions Houses (OAITH) on a femicide project, and in SOC*4010 Violence and Society students are also working with OAITH on an environmental scan of Ontario municipalities’ community safety and wellbeing plans to examine how and if they refer to issues of gender-based violence.
Investigating how women and girls with disabilities experience gender-based violence
Women and girls with disabilities face higher rates and more types of violence compared to those without disabilities, including sexual, physical, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as reproductive control and institutional abuse. The Live Work Well Research Centre, dedicated to nourishing families, livelihoods and living environments, is currently partnered with the Engendering Disability-Inclusive Development partnership, where they are working to improve the lives of diverse girls and women with disabilities.
Supporting Survivors and Gender Equity (SSAGE) Lab
Led by Dr. Paula Barata, The Supporting Survivors and Gender Equity (SSAGE) Lab conducts research related to gender-based violence. Currently, the research group is particularly active in the areas of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault against women. Graduate students Roxana Golmohammad, Daniely Sciarotta and Laureen Owaga are part of this research group which uses a wide range of methods and approaches to research including qualitative and quantitative methods, and traditional, community-engaged, and feminist methodologies.
Sexual and gender-based violence support and education at the University of Guelph
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, you are not alone and supports are available. You can connect with the sexual and gender-based violence support coordinators, who provide coordinated support and resources following experiences of sexual and gender-based violence. They also provide consultation services to faculty and staff responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence. Anyone can refer a friend or themselves to the coordinators by emailing svinfo@uguelph.ca.
You do not need to disclose or make a report in order to access support. Students are also welcome to bring a support person with them to the planning or support meeting.
For more information about supports available, please visit our website.