Draw the Line

Colonialism and its effects are continuing and pervasive; settlers must learn to support ending ongoing oppressive practices Allies can learn about Indigenous knowledge and issues, historically and present They can support Indigenous authors, artists, academics and activists ... Allies can learn to identify situations of racism and take actions to address it, no matter how big or small They can support politicians and movements addressing Indigenous issues like missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women, rights to land and water, education and health care Allies can recognize the history of our nation, ongoing oppressive practices and act in ways to support reconciliation Healthy communities requires addressing the wellbeing of all; communities are not thriving until all members are thriving

Nurturing children's empathy and respect, for self and others, provides lifelong skills for healthy relationships, extending to healthy communities Our next generation need both education and role models which instill what it means to be a good citizen, enhancing their own lives and supporting communities of care over competition Quote thanks to Bob Talbert

Text COURAGE to 41010 right now. November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and today you can help provide safety for women and children experiencing violence. Wi...ll you join Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ Offensive Linesman, Mike Filer and thousands of others who are saying: enough is enough? Text COURAGE to 41010 right now and a donation of your choice ($5-$25) will be automatically directed to participating women’s shelters in Ontario. #WrappedinCourage

There are many reasons survivors do not report, often due to fear of being further victimized due to common stigmas around sexual violence Survivors' healing journeys are supported by validation of their experiences by an empathetic listener Listen, believe and support survivors of sexual violence; you can make a difference in healing past trauma... #WeBelieveSurvivors #SupportSurvivors #EndSexualViolence See more

"Between April 1 and June 30, 11 per cent of referrals received by SASC were in relation to online exploitation. Between July 1 to Sept. 30, the number of refer...rals related to online exploitation rose to 30 per cent." Read more here: https://www.therecord.com//pandemic-leads-to-rise-in-repor

For the month of November we are supporting our partners at the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses by calling on all Ontarians to support Woman Abuse Prevention Month with a small donation Violence is the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women and children, and they urgently need your help Text COURAGE to 41010 to give $5-$25 right now... **************************** Au cours du mois de novembre, nous demandons à l’ensemble des Ontariennes et des Ontariens d’appuyer le Mois de la prévention de la violence faite aux femmes en faisant un petit don Pour les femmes et les enfants, la violence est le principal enjeu en matière de droits à l’égalité de genre Elles et ils ont besoin de votre aide immédiatement Textez le mot COURAGE à 41010 pour faire un don de 5 à 25 $ dès maintenant

The words used by media have impacts on the ways we think and subsequently act "Underage" women = girls Framing youth as adults changes the dialogue of the conversation; this takes away from blaming the perpetrators and larger social systems supporting violence, instead enforcing our victim blaming culture which assumes survivors are somehow at fault for their trauma... We want media that supports survivors of sexual violence, for their healing and the prevention of future trauma As always, #WeBelieveSurvivors

Do you work with elementary or secondary students in northern Ontario? Are you interested in learning about supporting youth to be active change makers in their community, while supporting survivors of violence? We are hosting online workshops throughout the month of November for northern teachers and school staff, which includes participant follow up resources like a lesson plan and professional development certificate ... Sign up now for this FREE workshop today! Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3ngm6hL

Sexual violence is never the fault of the survivor Facilitated by our culture's socialization methods telling groups how to think and act, sexual violence is a method of social control between positions of privilege and oppression, more than an individual action Educating youth with new socialization messages support equality between diverse groups can break down harmful ways of thinking and promote healthier actions, for the benefit of individuals and communities... #WeBelieveSurvivors #EndSexualViolence #EndRapeCulture #Consent

Draw the Line seeks to promote effective bystander intervention; when you witness someone experiencing sexual harassment or violence (or any form of oppression!) you can make a difference Talk to the person facilitating the harm to stop their actions and provide important education; seek help if you do not feel safe advancing alone; check in with the target to see if they need further support Silence promotes a culture of violence; use your voice for the betterment of societ...y, you can make a difference Learn how to take action with our FREE online or hard copy resources: www.draw-the-line.ca

Trauma is never the fault of the survivor, yet there are many victim blaming rape myths which encourage silence around sexual violence "They had a lapse in judgement" "That's not in their character" "It will affect their reputation"... Not everyone is in a position to report and that's ok; with our culture of perpetrator support, reporting is an intimidating and often further traumatic experience For those who do choose to report, know you are brave, you are strong, you are appreciated and you are working towards change for countless others coming after you; thank you #Consent #WhyIDidntReport #EndSexualViolence #RapeCulture #MeToo

Consent is freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific (FRIES!) Consent is the first step in sex; if you're not asking for consent, you're missing a vital starting point Let's make sure everyone is having a good time... "Do you like....?" "Is it ok if I...?" "If you're comfortable with it, do you want to....?" Consent is key; practice it yourself and educate youth in your life on the importance of doing so too #Consent #EndSexualViolence #ConsentCulture

Boundaries are personal limits created by individuals themselves (so differing for everyone) articulating personal limitations, which when crossed can lead to physical and mental harm This establishment of personal limitations can apply to many areas of life, including physical space, emotions, possessions, time and energy Taking care of ourselves is important for caring for others; this could not be more true than in the current world we are living in

It's not too late to register for some great conversations!

The Student Voices on Sexual Violence Survey Public Report found that 23% of university students and 17% of college students in Ontario disclosed non-consensual sexual experiences while enrolled These experiences should not be part of education Educational institutions need to be made accountable to their students, setting an example for the communities in which they reside... Support safe schools, such as through preventative bystander intervention education provided by public educators from sexual assault centres across the province; get in touch with a centre or educational institution near you to learn how you can support this important work and talk to leaders in your community to let them know these issues matter Nearest centre: sexualassaultsupport.ca/support #EndSexualViolence #PublicEducation #TimesUp #MeToo

Whether tricking or treating, let’s keep it fun for all There are many many costume ideas out there, it’s very possible to stay away from ones which further harmful ideas of social groups Representing any culture other than your own, like Indigenous traditional wear? Stereotypical representations, like women-objectifying characters? Belittling social challenges, like people living in homelessness? We hope not!... Portraying yourself for fun or to be funny as part of a group that faces discrimination and harassment on a regular basis is offensive and harmful to those who are living the realities of these identities Keep Halloween respectful, safe and fun for all involved What's your creative, inclusive costume? #Halloween #Constumes #Inclusivity

Our culture's upbringing promotes trauma, sexual violence being a method of control, more than an individual act Sexual violence is never the fault of the survivor Help share education to break down harmful ways of thinking into healthier perceptions supporting wellbeing of all ... #WeBelieveSurvivors #EndSexualViolence #EndRapeCulture #Consent

Allyship is a verb Taking action as an ally involves listening to learn, acting to end racism and teaching others how to do the same

*Meditate *Go for a walk *Cook *Take a bath *Cuddle... *Read a book *Journal There are many ways to unplug yourself from the constant connections facilitated by modern technology Make time to disconnect, fostering mental wellbeing that will allow for healthier connections when you do plug back in See more

By asking before doing, checking in with partners, providing positive feedback to display ongoing enthusiasm, reading body language, and having safe words in place for boundary-crossing notification (our consent tools), you can provide a safe and affirming experience for all parties involved

Your body took control over your logic; your body did what it needed to do End your blame, your guilt, your shame Instincts which have evolved over countless years led to your actions... You can stop the judgement Practice self-love, be gentle on yourself; you are always learning, growing and evolving See more