May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Alberta.

Sexual violence is occurring at pandemic rates in our society. A study conducted on the Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Childhood Sexual Abuse in Alberta (2020) indicated that almost one in every two Albertan’s have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. These rates have not declined in almost 30 years.

This year Bow Valley College, the University of Calgary, and Mount Royal University are collaborating in offering a series of initiatives to create communities of care on their campuses and end sexual violence.

Post-secondary institutions have a unique role to play in ending sexual violence. Students are sexually assaulted by someone else at disproportionate rates and post-secondary institutions are well-positioned to ensure that prevention education is provided to this population.

For Sexual Violence Awareness Month, these three post-secondary institutions will be launching a new workshop, 'Rethinking Consent: Creating Communities of Care,' and engaging campuses in the #SurvivorLoveLetter Campaign.

See below to find out how you can get involved!