Concordia University's Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance (CSLP) has launched a pioneering campaign called "On s'écoute" (Let's Listen) to address the issue of sexual violence within Quebec's colleges and universities. This initiative, unveiled on March 19, is a proactive step towards raising awareness, educating, and mobilizing the higher-education community across the province.
**Background**
Sexual violence remains a significant concern in educational settings, including colleges and universities. The "On s'écoute" campaign is a response to this pressing issue, aligning with the Government of Quebec's 2022–2027 action plan to prevent and combat sexual violence in higher education institutions.
**Objectives of the Campaign**
1. **Raising Awareness:** The campaign aims to shed light on the prevalence and impact of sexual violence within higher education. By highlighting this issue, it seeks to foster a greater understanding and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by students and faculty.
2. **Education and Prevention:** Through targeted educational initiatives, "On s'écoute" aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond effectively to incidents of sexual violence. This includes promoting consent education, bystander intervention training, and creating safe spaces for open dialogue.
3. **Mobilization of the Community:** The campaign seeks to mobilize the entire higher-education community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. By encouraging collective action and collaboration, it aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes safety, respect, and dignity for all.
**Key Features and Initiatives**
- **Awareness Campaigns:** "On s'écoute" will utilize various communication channels, including social media, workshops, and informational resources, to raise awareness about sexual violence and its impact on individuals and communities.
- **Training and Workshops:** The campaign will offer training sessions and workshops focused on topics such as consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and reporting mechanisms. These educational efforts aim to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to create safer and more respectful environments.
- **Support Services:** "On s'écoute" will promote access to support services and resources for survivors of sexual violence, ensuring that individuals receive the care, assistance, and advocacy they need.
**Call to Action**
The "On s'écoute" campaign calls on all members of the higher-education community to actively participate and engage in efforts to prevent and address sexual violence. By working together and fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability, we can create campuses and learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and conducive to academic and personal growth.
For more information and resources related to the campaign, visit [Concordia's CSLP website](https://www.concordia.ca/cslp/on-s-ecoute).
**Concordia's "On s'écoute" Campaign: A Comprehensive Approach to Combatting Sexual Violence**The "On s'écoute" campaign, spearheaded by filmmaker and postdoctoral fellow Léa Clermont-Dion, in collaboration with Vivek Venkatesh, professor of inclusive practices in visual arts, and co-director of the CSLP, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing sexual violence within Quebec's higher-education institutions. Developed as part of the Government of Quebec's 2022–2027 action plan, this project is a proactive step towards creating a culture of consent, respect, and safety.
**Innovative Training and Resources**
This training program, available on the On s'écoute website, offers valuable insights and tools for understanding and promoting consent within educational settings.
The website also features compelling video testimonials produced by filmmaker Gianluca Della Montagna, providing a human perspective on the impact of sexual violence and the importance of creating supportive environments for survivors.
**Interactive Support Resources**
A notable feature of the campaign is an interactive map that provides access to support resources across the province for survivors of sexual violence. This resource aims to connect individuals with the assistance and services they need, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
**Empowering a Culture of Consent**
For Clermont-Dion, the key to preventing and combatting sexual violence lies in comprehensive sex education and promoting a culture of consent. By raising awareness and encouraging dialogue, the campaign aims to empower individuals to take responsibility for their actions and promote respectful relationships.
Venkatesh emphasizes that "On s'écoute" goes beyond mere awareness, challenging members of the higher-education community to critically examine their knowledge, biases, and behaviors. This critical reflection is essential for creating a culture of consent and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all.
The "On s'écoute" campaign embodies a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing sexual violence, highlighting the importance of education, awareness, and collective action in creating positive change within higher education.
**On s'écoute: A Collaborative Effort Against Sexual Violence**The launch of the "On s'écoute" campaign at Concordia's 4TH SPACE marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence within Quebec's higher-education institutions. The event saw the participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from le Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, la Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec, and l’Union étudiante du Québec, highlighting the collaborative nature of this important initiative.
**Concordia's Commitment to Combatting Sexual Violence**
The "On s'écoute" campaign is part of Concordia's broader commitment to eliminating sexual violence on Quebec campuses. It complements the existing "It Takes All of Us" sexual violence awareness and training program, developed by Concordia's Sexual Assault Resource Centre. Since its inception in 2019, "It Takes All of Us" has been taken by over 100,000 Concordia staff, faculty, and students, demonstrating widespread engagement and commitment to addressing this critical issue.
**Expanding Impact Beyond Concordia**
The success of "It Takes All of Us" has also resonated beyond Concordia, with more than a dozen Quebec post-secondary institutions adopting the online training module. This widespread adoption reflects the growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive sexual violence prevention and education efforts across the province.
**Accessing Sexual Violence Resources**
Individuals interested in learning more about the resources and support available for addressing sexual violence at Concordia can explore the dedicated sexual violence resources page. This page provides valuable information and guidance for survivors, allies, and community members, emphasizing a holistic approach to addressing this complex issue.
**Continued Engagement and Advocacy**
The launch of the "On s'écoute" campaign and the ongoing success of "It Takes All of Us" underscore Concordia's commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of its community. Through continued engagement, education, and advocacy, Concordia aims to lead by example and inspire positive change in the broader higher-education landscape regarding sexual violence prevention and response.
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