Province launches campaign to prevent sexualized violence on post-secondary campuses
According to the B.C. government, almost two-thirds of sexual assaults on post-secondary campuses happen in the first eight weeks of school. That’s why it has re-launched the “… Is Not Yes” campaign.
“Sex without consent is rape” is the message of the province’s sexual violence prevention campaign. Campaign materials are being distributed to student and faculty organizations at 25 post-secondary institutions across B.C. to raise awareness about sexual violence prevention and the support available for students.
"Sexual violence has no place on our campuses," said Anne Kang, B.C.’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, in a news release.
"Understanding consent is one of the first steps to preventing sexual violence, because only 'yes' means 'yes.’”
Kang says the messages about sex, consent and sexual violence in the campaign are direct because students have told the province that it needs to meet them in a thought-provoking and direct way.
The message of the “.. Is Not Yes” campaign is made clear with posters depicting a young college age couple walking within their arms around each other captioned, “Walking them home is not yes.”
University of Victoria student advocate Anna-Elaine Rempel told CTV News that education and awareness are essential to creating cultures of consent on university and college campuses.
“We need to challenge myths and societal values that uphold sexualized violence and really challenge that at the basis of what it is,” said Rempel. “That’s why this campaign is so important; we need to be talking about consent right from the get-go as soon as students get on campus and continue that conversation throughout the semester.”
The province says it is building on the “… Is Not Yes” campaign originally launched on post-secondary campuses in 2019. It says that after student input, the goal of the re-launched campaign is to reach more students through a larger online and on-campus presence.
"Our campuses and our communities are safer when people know that sex without consent is the crime of rape," said Ninu Kang, executive director of the Ending Violence Association of BC.
"Consent to sexual activity is needed every time, and must be freely given, specific, clear, coherent, enthusiastic and ongoing."
During September and October, digital ads will run on social media platforms commonly used by students, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. In an effort to reach all post-secondary students, the message captions will be presented in Mandarin, Cantonese and Punjabi, in addition to English.
Posters for the sexualized violence prevention campaign will be also be displayed in popular student gathering places, such as bars and restaurants.
“Consent is something that is important to our everyday lives, (so) it’s critical that we talk to students about sexualized violence and consent as soon as they get to campus,” said Rempel. “We want to make sure we are building a culture and a campus that fosters consent.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, contact VictimLinkBC, a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca. You can also call your local police or 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.