Recognizing Gender-based Violence Awareness Week February 14 to 18

From February 14 through 18, Durham College (DC) will be recognizing Gender-based Violence Awareness Week.

Defined as violence that is inflicted upon a person or persons due to their gender identity, perceived gender or gender expression, gender-based violence can impact anyone, although it particularly targets Black and Indigenous women and girls (Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, 2022).

The campus community is invited to participate in a number of events, hosted by the Student Development Office and Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, to learn how gender-based violence continues to impact our communities and how we can be allies in the fight against it.

Honouring Stolen Sisters
The First Peoples Indigenous Centre invites you to join in virtually and welcome Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, sexual violence educator and advocate Suzanne Smoke to discuss the systemic barriers facing Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited individuals.

When: Monday, February 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance to participate.

Intro to Healthy Masculinity
Hosted by the Durham Rape Crisis Centre, this session will focus on how male-identified individuals can be leaders in ending gender-based violence. This important conversation will discuss what healthy masculinity and sexuality means, the importance of consent and accountability, and how to be advocates in their community.

When: Tuesday, February 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance to participate.

Breathe: Trauma Recovery Yoga
Facilitated by Nicole Brown Faulknor, founder of Wounds2Wings and the Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario, this unique class aims to give participants on a path to recovery, the tools to understand how trauma affects the body and how to let go of trauma stored in the body. Through gentle movements, simple postures and breath awareness, elements of traditional hatha yoga are modified to build a survivor’s sense of empowerment and cultivate a more positive relationship to one’s body.

When: Thursday, February 17 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance to participate.

To learn more about gender-based violence, follow @yesmeansyesatdc on Instagram