This message is being sent on behalf of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct any questions to equity@durhamcollege.ca.
Today, November 25, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence which ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. Gender-based violence (GBV) has a profound impact on women and girls in our communities with more than 40 per cent of women in Canada having experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
The Government of Canada’s theme for 2024 is “Come Together Now” to emphasize the crucial role we all play in ending GBV and a call to take action. Here are some key actions we can all take to tackle GBV in our daily lives:
LISTEN refers to our general awareness and for believing survivors who share their experience.
LEARN encourages us to educate ourselves on what GBV is, how to spot it, and how we can prevent it and take action.
ACT is for taking the information and applying it in our daily lives.
Events at Durham College (DC) or in the Durham Region community enable us all to come together during the 16 Days to enhance our knowledge about GBV as well as demonstrate our commitment to act:
December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Whitby campus: Don Lovisa Building, Atrium
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Oshawa campus: The Pit
2 to 3:30 p.m.
December 6 is a time to honour the 14 women killed at Polytechnique Montréal in 1989 and reflect on all the women whose lives have been taken by or affected by gender-based violence.
November 26 – Women’s Abuse Awareness Event hosted by The Women’s Committee of Durham Region
Unifor Local 222 Hall
425 Phillip Murray Ave., Oshawa
1 to 4 p.m.
Keynote address by Pamela Cross followed by a panel of Violence Against Women experts, support workers and survivors of gender-based violence.
We recognize that members of our campus community are people with lives, histories, and struggles that we may not be privy to. As such, our upcoming event will mention different forms of gender-based violence and sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and murder. Please prioritize your mental health and well-being. We encourage participants to take the space you need at our event. Visit our sexual violence awareness webpage for more resources and support.
Here are some resources on and off campus to help us connect to and learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and learn about our rights and responsibilities to create a campus community free of sexual violence, hate, discrimination and harassment:
We recognize that far too many of us experience gender-based violence. For resources to access help or support others, please visit:
If you are experiencing any form of gender-based violence and/or questioning your relationship or safety, help and support is available. Please reach out to the Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Coordinator for support via email: SVcoordinator@durhamcollege.ca
If you have immediate safety and or health concerns please call:
911 – Police and emergency services
OR
Campus Safety
call ext. 2400 from a campus landline or 905.721.3211
