Blog

Sexual Harassment and Assault Continue in the News – by Lynda Laushway

January 7, 2015

 

canstock8647242We ended 2014 reeling from the allegations of violent sexual assaults and drugging victims against Jian Gomeshi and Bill Cosby, sexual improprieties on Parliament Hill and sexually violent threats by Dalhousie University dental students. We had a break over the seasonal holidays and now we are starting 2015 with more news of the suspension from clinical practice of 13 male Dalhousie dental students and public protests over Bill Cosby’s shows in Canada. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne waded into the discussions in saying to the media “there are very serious allegations against this man (Bill Cosby) and certainly until those are sorted out I would certainly not go to a performance.”

Forty years ago when I was a young woman we would not have been talking openly about these issues, they certainly would not have been front page news and prominent public figures would not have been taking outspoken stands on the issues. In fact most women were either too ashamed to tell anyone about their assaults or blamed themselves for what had happened.  Scars that last a lifetime were left by the shame and fear that victims of sexual assault and harassment felt.

It seems that times have changed over those forty years and it’s a good thing.  It isn’t that sexual violence and harassment have dramatically increased of late it’s that we are finally talking about it, listening to the victims and giving them support and it’s about time.

 

 

 

 

SWOVAEmpowering Youth for a Better Tomorrow

The End Before the Beginning – by Kate Maurice

The End Before the Beginning – by Kate Maurice

As Pass It On draws to a close for another year, I find myself in that same parallel of emotions I feel every year at this time. I am sad to part ways with the young women I've spent the past year with. Although we live in a small town and see each other often here...

“Less Guilt, More Joy!” – Valdi – By Kate Maurice

“Less Guilt, More Joy!” – Valdi – By Kate Maurice

  Working as a mentor supervisor I enjoy a position with the unique perspective of 28 young women ranging in age from 13-18 years old. I see many sides of these young women as we grow to know each other. Where often their insecurity is what drives their...

Yes, It Happens Here

Yes, It Happens Here

A Salt Spring Island campaign taking place with the aim to address stereotypes and silence regarding crime and victims of crime in our community.  SWOVA’s Salish Sea Girls’ Leadership Project secured the funding from the Federal Ministry of Justice to run the campaign...

Weekend of Entertainment, Workshops, Recognition and Celebration

Weekend of Entertainment, Workshops, Recognition and Celebration

International Women’s Day March 8, 2014 For over one hundred years, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been a day of celebration and recognition to mark exceptional achievements of women and to build on inequities still to be addressed.  This year SWOVA, IWAV, Victim...

Grand Theft Auto – by Christina Antonick

In one of our Grade 10 Respectful Relationships workshops this past week, we spoke with youth about our 5-month social justice youth facilitator training that we do on Monday evenings after school. Our R+R Youth Team co- facilitate sessions with the Adult Facilitators...

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.