Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Jessica Yee at Carleton tonight!

2011-02-16T09:08:00.002-05:00

Come out to an event for Sexual Assault Awareness Week tonight at Carleton. Jessica Yee, founder and Executive Director of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, will be delivering a presentation entitled "Native Youth Sexual Health." The event is free and open to the public. It will take place in Room 5050 of the Minto building from 5:45 to 8:00 pm.

For more information:

Hope to see you there!

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Blogging the Second Annual Task Force on Gender-Based Violence

2011-02-08T21:59:00.005-05:00

(Above: Photo of Task Force on Gender-Based Violence moderator and panelists sitting below a banner that reads "Stop ♂♀ Violence". From L to R: Austin Miller, Yami Msosa, Kimalee Phillip, Nicole Matte, Julie Lalonde, Kandace Price. Photo courtesy of Amelia Edwards.)

The Coalition would like to thank everyone who came out to the second annual Task Force on Gender-Based Violence earlier today. It was a very powerful afternoon.

We liveblogged a portion of the event on our Twitter page (@CoalitionForCU) but we wanted to give you a rundown of the event here on our blog (including the parts that didn't make it to Twitter!). We will also be compiling a report based on the comments made during the Task Force. This report will be submitted to the University's upper administration as well as the media.

Additionally, we would like to thank all of the panelists who contributed their time and efforts to the Task Force. Our panelists were:

Julie Lalonde--Co-Founder and Collective Member, Coalition
Kandace Price--Programming Coordinator, Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) Womyn's Centre; Collective Member, Coalition
Kimalee Phillip--President, Carleton University Graduate Students' Association (GSA); Collective Member, Coalition
Nicole Matte--Coordinator, Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) Women's Resource Centre
Yami Msosa--Public Education Coordinator and Collective Member, Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) of Ottawa

We were also grateful to have Austin Miller, VP External of the GSA, as our moderator.

11:45 am -- Students are taking their seats and Kimalee Phillip welcomes everyone to the second annual Task Force on Gender-Based Violence.

Julie Lalonde: UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) defines gender-based violence as "any act...that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women."

Lalonde: At last year's Task Force, students told the Coalition that their activism was appreciated, but that they couldn't wait for administration to listen. Responding to their comments, the Coalition began a grassroots, community-funded and volunteer-run support line in March 2010.

Kandace Price: Documenting sexual violence can be difficult because of "shame and blame perpetrated by our communities." Through sharing our experiences, we can be a united force to eradicate sexual violence.

Nicole Matte: Speaks of the importance of consciousness raising and of providing a safer space where people can discuss their experiences of sexual violence. Points out that sexual violence is a systemic issue and that it is important to "call out" the institutions which perpetuate it -- for example, university administration, police, the state.

Phillip: Coalition members and student activists working against sexual violence are doing what they have been taught in the classroom to do. If students are doing what they have been taught to do and are being punished for this, what is the point of the university?

Phillip: Sexual violence is a serious crime which silences and oppresses many people. It does not need to affect you directly for you to be angry about it. Quotes Desmond Tutu: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

Yami Msosa: SASC and the Coalition do not work from the medical model. They do not diagnose women. Within the medical model, women will have labels placed on them and will be given medication to treat symptoms. SASC does not view survivors of sexual violence as people who have an illness that needs treatment.

Msosa: SASC began as a phone line in a basement, similar to how the Coalition's support line is currently run. Now, SASC has 30 collective members and six staff and is well-respected in the community. SASC and Coalition are allies in the "feminist anti-violence movement," working together to end systemic violence. SASC fully supports the Coalition and wants Carleton administration to recognize that the issue of sexual violence needs to be addressed.

[Austin Miller opens floor to students who wish to speak]

Student at microphone: Recognizes intersections which affect sexual violence. Is involved in aboriginal services on campus and criticizes the federal government's decision to cut funding for Sisters in Spirit. Urges audience members to attend the Sisters in Spirit vigil on 14 Feb. on Parliament Hill.

Student at microphone: Asks panel what men can do in their daily lives to end violence against women.

Lalonde: There are male allies in the community, including a group at Carleton--Men for Equality and Non-Violence. But it is important to turn the statistics on their head; if one in four women are being assaulted, someone is doing the assaulting, and it is mostly heterosexual, cisgendered men. We must acknowledge that people who sexually assault are among us. We need to be proactive, and we should be talking about the idea of enthusiastic consent. Stop making this a women's issue.

Price: Carleton has said that they don't want to be seen as "Rape U." What we try to explain to administration is that there are other schools which have sexual assault centres, and it would be great if Carleton admin could take the lead on creating a centre on our own campus. Silence does not make these issues go away.

Matte: Going back to the student's comment about the Sisters in Spirit vigil; stresses importance of considering intersections which affect the ways in which sexual violence is experienced

Phillip: Men can be allies by asking women what we need. Men can help by calling people out when they say things which are problematic. We must identify the obstacles that stop men from calling other men (and women) out on problematic things that they say.

Student at microphone: Discloses that she was sexually assaulted when she was 19, and that both her sister and mother have also been sexually assaulted. States that Carleton is turning itself into "Rape U" if it fails to address the issue of sexual assault.

Matte: If you are ignoring sexual violence, you are contributing to it.

Student at microphone: Asks panel members to address specific issues that they have encountered with university administration.

Lalonde: A referendum was held in which the majority of students voted in favour of a student-run, university-funded sexual assault centre. At that time, out current president (Roseann O'Reilly Runte) was not yet at the university, and the interim president told the Coalition to bring the issue up with Runte when she arrived. Runte claimed that a centre would bring bad press.

Lalonde: Sexual violence happens at all schools, but some choose to deal with it in a proactive way. Carleton is creating the bad press for themselves. The Coalition is using their own volunteer time to give answers to Carleton -- they don't even need to come up with their own ideas. It also doesn't have to do with a lack of space -- it has to do with the administration digging in their heels and not wanting to lose in the media.

Student at microphone: Other students have disclosed their assaults to her and have told her that when they went to Equity Services they felt "like shit." She asks what the "average student" can do to help.

Phillip: Often our calls for a centre are answered as a few angry women wanting to cause problems for administration. It is important to let the admin know that it is actually the student body themselves that wants this. E-mail admin. Create your own initiatives. Attend Board of Governors meetings, CUSA and GSA council meetings. Put pressure on student leaders to get things done.

Student at microphone: At Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) meetings, she has heard students from across the country stating that "Carleton University is shameful" and that what administration is doing is "disgusting."

Student at microphone: Discloses sexual assault that occurred on Carleton's campus. Describes feeling silenced because of her own intersections. Visited Health and Counseling Services on campus, but her experiences were not validated. Spaces where support is offered are desperately needed on campus. People must realize that the services on campus are not adequate and that they only perpetuate stereotypes. "I'm not broken...We are surviving in a fucked up system."

Lalonde: When the high profile sexual assault happened on campus a few years back, Carleton said that it was that woman's fault because she was working late on campus. The library is open 24 hours during exams. Are women supposed to have a 4pm curfew because that is when it starts to get dark in the winter here?

Student at microphone: Instead of saying, "How can we find out who those bad guys are?" we need to see how people's actions in their everyday lives perpetuate rape culture.

Student at microphone: Calls out administration for perpetuating violence and rape culture. Criticizes the "systemic normalization of violence as sex and sex as violence." That is not what sex is supposed to be. Stresses importance of identifying rape culture, e.g. homophobic and racist jokes, militaristic language.

Matte: The "guys will be guys" mantra is a huge part of rape culture--constructing a culture where rape, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and other isms are normalized.

Miller: Stresses importance of challenging each other and the stereotypes surrounding masculinity.

Student at microphone: States that it is important to have discussions, rather than just telling someone to "shut up." People should talk about how isms play into problematic things that they say.

Lalonde: Male allies should use their privilege to speak out about sexual violence. People will listen to men who call out other men.

Alumnus at microphone: Didn't have a place to go as a survivor on Carleton's campus. Students deserve to have a place to go and people who will listen.

Two students at microphone: Reciting a list of "tips" to stop rape, e.g. "Use the buddy system! If you are unable to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public." (Further examples at http://bit.ly/4fMdwS)

Lalonde: Rape defense courses are one of the only resources on campus; these are reactive rather than proactive. Be critical: why are reactive responses the only messages we see here?

Phillip: Administration's policies and space regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive. Students need to have the ability to organize effectively.

Lalonde: Carleton has posted press releases about sexual assault resources on campus, but they refuse to include the Coalition's support line in these compilations. The University should be proud that their student body uses their volunteer time to run the support line.

Miller: Several new buildings being built on campus are creating lots of extra space, and the large number of space requests that are coming in must be prioritized. If students aren't able to study or even relax because they're triggered or in crisis, this shows that space for a sexual assault centre, specifically, should be prioritized.

Phillip: CUSA elections are taking place right now -- undergraduate students should vote, then hold their elected representatives accountable afterward!

Lalonde: Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line keeps calls confidential, with the exception of prank calls. This line receives more prank calls than others in Ottawa. Reiterates that this support line operates under the same framework as SASC as well as the Calacs francophone d'Ottawa.

Matte: It is important to acknowledge healthy sexuality in the anti-violence discussion.

Price: Rape culture has become so normalized on Carleton's campus. Its prevalence is startling and upsetting.

Student at microphone: In residence, there is not enough protection for students, there is not enough knowledge regarding violence, and there are no resources available. How do we engage students who aren't aware of rape culture (for example, during Frosh Week)?

Miller: Reiterates the importance of being proactive and raising awareness instead of being reactive.

Student at microphone: Points out that if one is not ready to be involved in activism that is potentially stressful, there are many other ways to get involved.

Phillip: It is important to be aware of your own boundaries and care for yourself first and foremost. Otherwise, you will not be able to give the support that others need.

Lalonde: It is also important to acknowledge that for some people, getting involved in organizations or taking part in events is a form of self-care. Continuing to attend class and getting good marks can be a form of self-care. People heal in very different ways.

Miller (closing remarks): You do not have to be a lobbyist to make a difference. Having conversations with people we know in our own lives is one of the most important things that we can do.

Lalonde: If someone discloses an experience of sexual assault to you, know your boundaries but be a friend to them and believe them. Be critical in your classroom and your life. Be critical of your professors, of administration, and of your peers.

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Task Force on Gender-Based Violence: Today!

2011-02-08T09:46:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that today, Tuesday February 8th from 11:30-2:30pm is the Task Force on Gender-Based Violence.

Stop by the Unicentre Atrium anytime between 11:30-2:30pm and hear what the Carleton community thinks about violence on campus. Anyone can go up to the microphone and make a statement and support workers will be available to offer on-site support and resources. Written submissions will also be accepted.

The end goal is a report that will be sent to Carleton University upper administration and the media. The immediate goal, however, is to create a safe space for people to speak their minds and work towards ending gender-based violence on campus.

For more information or to get involved in the fight, please contact the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com or 613-620-1030.

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Coalition in the media + Task Force!

2011-02-07T00:21:00.004-05:00

To read a bit about the week of events just hosted by the Coalition and the SFUO Women's Resource Centre, check out THIS piece in Ottawa XPress!

Also, don't forget about the Coalition's Task Force on Gender Based Violence, taking place this Tuesday, February 8 in the Unicentre Atrium at Carleton University.

Here is a recap from a previous post on this blog regarding the Task Force:

For those of you who have never gone to our Task Force before, it's an opportunity for the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre to work directly with students in making campus a safer place. Carleton is not only where we study but for many of us, it's where we work, live and play, too. We all have a vested interest in making it a safe place.

The Task Force will have a few panelists who will be speaking about the issue and giving some context. Then the floor is open!

The purpose of the Task Force is for students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends to speak on their experiences of gender-based violence and their thoughts on how to move forward. The end result is a report that is made public and presented to Carleton University administration and the media.

Have you experienced violence while at Carleton? Do you know someone who has? Did you come to Carleton as a survivor of sexual violence? Do you see a lack of critical academia in your classrooms on gender-based violence? Are you just interested in finding out more about the issue and how you can get involved?

Then bookmark Tuesday, February 8th.

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149741531746557#!/event.php?eid=149741531746557

For more information about the Task Force or to receive a copy of the last report, please contact coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

*The event will have trained support workers from the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line on site. If you’re feeling triggered or are looking for long-term support for either yourself or someone you know, please connect with them*

Hope to see you there!

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Getting OFF: Consent is Sexy Week Finale Party!

2011-02-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hey beautiful non-gender-identified folks!

On behalf of the Consent is Sexy Week Committee, the Women's Resource Centre, the Women's Centre and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre we would like to thank you so much for your wonderful support through our first ever launch of Consent is Sexy Week!

The Week was a total success, and despite adverse weather conditions, all of our events/workshops were VERY well attended, and we spread the word about enthusiastic consent, sex positivity and ending sexual violence!

We wish to welcome you to our finale closing party tonight at Club Saw. This evening will be full of erotic sexy consensual-ness.

There will be awesome Riot Grrl Burlesque, Erotica Readings, Sexy Photography, Erotic Art, and amazing dance party and cheap drinks! wahooo!

Recap:

Doors 9pm. 19+
$5-$15 pay what you can!
And lots of FUN
Where: Club Saw! 67 Nicholas Street

Thank you SO MUCH.

And don't forget to join the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre and the Womyn's Centre this Tuesday February 7th at 11:30am for the Task Force on Gender Based Violence!

We need your support!

Love to you all,
xo

The Consent is Sexy Week Committee

Consent is Sexy Week continues!

2011-02-02T08:39:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

Just a reminder that Consent is Sexy Week continues today with a panel discussion entitled "Consent, Dissent and Resist: Deconstructing the Consent Discourse" this afternoon and a free workshop, "Eroticizing Consent" with Andrea Zanin, this evening!

Event descriptions:

12pm-2pm
Consent, Dissent & Resist: Deconstructing the Consent Discourse / Panel Discussion

Demonstrating the intersection of campus resistance, feminist academia and pedagogy, HIV disclosure and criminalization, sex workers rights, queer relationships, sexual violence/sexual health from a youth perspective and how all of these issues tie in with consent discourse. Join us in deconstructing the consent discourse!

*light lunch
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? University of Ottawa Club Room UCU 030B
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

-----

7pm-9pm
Eroticizing Consent / Andrea Zanin

What do you want? Do you believe you deserve to get it? Do you know how to tell someone what you want, and what you don’t, and why, and how? What are your boundaries, and where do they come from? If you don’t know them, how do you go about figuring them out? And most of all, how do you make this process sweet and sexy rather than scary and frustrating? We’ll start with these questions and take it from there! Come join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn tons of tips and tricks on how to enjoy the sometimes intimidating business of communication in our intimate and sexual relationships. Expect plenty of discussion, handy diagrams, five-step processes and introspective exercises. A thought-provoking experience is guaranteed!

Andrea Zanin, a.k.a. Sex Geek, pretty much writes and talks about sex all the time unless she’s eating, sleeping or having it. She lives in Toronto and is an organizer, educator and writer within the queer, polyamory and BDSM/leather communities, as well as being an active trans ally. She frequently speaks about alternative sexuality for universities, colleges, sex shops, community groups and conferences in Canada, the States and internationally.

*snacks will be served
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? Carleton University, Leeds House, room 124.
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

----

As always, if you need support, the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line provides free, confidential peer support from 8am to midnight, seven days a week. 613-620-1030

Hope to see you at the events!

In solidarity,

the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Because no means no, and yes means yes, yes, yes!!

2011-01-31T16:20:00.002-05:00

Hi all!

This message is a reminder that Consent is Sexy Week starts TODAY!! This is a really important week aiming to open up conversations about what 100%, enthusiastic consent means, what it is, why it's essential to sex, and what it looks like, feels like and sounds like. With this week, we hope to give people the skills to feel comfortable and empowered saying yes or no, and to emphasize how important it is to respect everyone's needs and boundaries.

We have a lot of amazing events starting with an Erotic Talk workshop happening tonight at Venus Envy at 7:00pm! (Find the full list of events on our blog HERE or on Facebook HERE) All our events are free, and have ASL interpretation available. Childcare is available for most with 24 hours notice!

For any questions, concerns, comments or media requests please contact us at consentissexyweek@gmail.com

In consent and sexiness,
-Consent is Sexy Week Committee

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Date Change: Task Force on Gender-Based Violence

2011-01-26T13:01:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

We hope you’ve had a chance to look at the schedule for “Consent is Sexy Week”. It’s jam-packed and it's clearly going to be THE place to be!

Due to scheduling conflicts with CUSA's elections, we have re-scheduled the Task Force on Gender-Based Violence to TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH FROM 11:30-2:30PM in the atrium of Carleton's campus (on the Rooster's side). We deeply apologize for the confusion. We're frustrated, too!

For those of you who have never gone to our Task Force before, it's an opportunity for the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre to work directly with students in making campus a safer place. Carleton is not only where we study but for many of us, it's where we work, live and play, too. We all have a vested interest in making it a safe place.

The Task Force will have a few panellists who will be speaking about the issue and giving some context. Then the floor is open!

The purpose of the Task Force is for students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends to speak on their experiences of gender-based violence and their thoughts on how to move forward. The end result is a report that is made public and presented to Carleton University administration and the media.

Have you experienced violence while at Carleton? Do you know someone who has? Did you come to Carleton as a survivor of sexual violence? Do you see a lack of critical academia in your classrooms on gender-based violence? Are you just interested in finding out more about the issue and how you can get involved?

Then bookmark Tuesday, February 8th.

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149741531746557#!/event.php?eid=149741531746557

For more information about the Task Force or to receive a copy of the last report, please contact coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

*The event will have trained support workers from the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line on site. If you’re feeling triggered or are looking for long-term support for either yourself or someone you know, please connect with them*

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Consent is Sexy Week! // Semaine consensuelle!

2011-01-24T11:17:00.005-05:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
and the
Women's Resource Centre of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO)
proudly present:

CONSENT IS SEXY WEEK: January 31st-February 5th, 2011
SEMAINE CONSENSUELLE: du 31 janvier au 5 fevrier, 2011

(How Do YOU Define Consent?)

[Le texte français suit]

Schedule:

Monday Jan.31st, 2011:

7pm-9pm
Erotic Talk: Talking Dirty for Women / Venus Envy Workshop

Know what you want, but not sure how to get it? Whether you're not sure what words to use, or how to start spilling them out of your mouth, this workshop will give you ideas on how to make talking about sex just as great as doing it.

*snacks will be served
*ASL available

Where? Venus Envy Ottawa, 320 Lisgar Street.
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Tuesday Feb. 1st, 2011:

7pm-9pm
Wanted: Disability Understood as Red Smoking Hot / Loree Erickson

Loree Erickson is a poly queer femmegimp porn star academic doing a PhD at York University. Her work is a synthesis of theoretical engagement and critical artistic creation, both of which are motivated and shaped by personal experience and activist ideals. Loree wants to replace the gawking, gazing, and glaring people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis with beholding, recognizing, and reacting when people with disabilities are red fucking hot!

*snacks will be served
*limited to 30 people, pre-registration required
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice, please email

Where? University of Ottawa Club’s Room UCU 030B
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Wednesday Feb.2nd, 2011:

12pm-2pm
Consent, Dissent & Resist: Deconstructing the Consent Discourse/ Panel Discussion

Demonstrating the intersection of campus resistance, feminist academia and pedagogy, HIV disclosure and criminalization, sex workers rights, queer relationships, sexual violence/sexual health from a youth perspective and how all of these issues tie in with consent discourse. Join us in deconstructing the consent discourse!

*light lunch
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? University of Ottawa Club’s Room UCU 030B
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

7pm-9pm
Eroticizing Consent/ Andrea Zanin

Andrea Zanin, a.k.a. Sex Geek, pretty much writes and talks about sex all the time unless she’s eating, sleeping or having it. She lives in Toronto and is an organizer, educator and writer within the queer, polyamory and BDSM/leather communities, as well as being an active trans ally. She frequently speaks about alternative sexuality for universities, colleges, sex shops, community groups and conferences in Canada, the States and internationally.

*snacks will be served
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? Carleton University, Leeds room 124.
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Thursday Feb.3rd, 2011:

11:30am-2:30pm
Task Force on Gender Based Violence /

POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2011

7pm-9pm
“Eroticizing Consent”, Pride Centre
(en francais)

* snacks will be served
*LSQ available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? University of Ottawa Clubs Room UCU 030B
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Friday Feb.4th, 2011:

1pm-3pm

Sex Work, Consent & the Pro-Choice Discourse/ POWER Workshop

This workshop will address the issue of consent in the context of sex work through various approaches. Although the discussion will attempt as much as possible to cater to the preferences of the participants, some topics of discussion will include: consent in the contexts of marginalization, criminalization, and stigmatization and the ways in which feminist discourses of sex work as rape influence the prominent ideas around sex work; consent and relationships between escorts and clients; and consent in relationships sex workers have outside of their work lives. Both facilitators are part of the sex worker community and will use both personal experiences and research knowledge as part of the discussion.

* light lunch will be served
*ASL available
*childcare available with 24 hours notice

Where? University of Ottawa Clubs Room UCU 030B
Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Saturday Feb.5th, 2011:

Getting OFF: Consexual Erotica Night.

Join the Coalition, and the WRC at this amazing sex positive erotic evening of body positive art, erotica readings, feminist Riot Grrl burlesque, sexy drinks, and not to mention...a dance party!

Things to expect at this dance party:
-Sex Positivity
-Consensuality
-Body Positivity
-Queer/Trans Friendly
-Anti-O Framework

*this event is accessible!
with DJ Mikkipedia & DJ yalla!yalla!

Where? Club SAW. 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
When? Doors at 9pm!
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation/PWYC

*This is a 19+ event, as there will be alcoholic beverages being served (and sexy content ;))

Contact: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

**

Semaine consensuelle
du 31 janvier au 5 février 2011

Lundi, le 31 janvier 2011 :

19h à 21h
Expressions érotiques: conversations cochonnes pour femmes (Venus Envy)
Vous savez ce que vous voulez, mais n'êtes pas certaines comment l'obtenir? Que vous soyez du genre timide, pas certaine quoi dire, ou si les mots vous restent simplement sur le bout de la langue, cet atelier vous donnera des idées sur des façons de parler de sexe qui seront aussi amusantes que l'acte.
*grignotines gratuites servies sur place
*ASL disponible

Où? Venus Envy Ottawa, 320 rue Lisgar
Contactez: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Mardi, le 1er février 2011 :

19h à 21h
Voulus: les incapacités comprises comme étant brûlantes et excitantes / Loree Erickson
Loree Erickson se définie comme une académique "poly queer femmegimp pornstar" et entame présentement son doctorat à York University. Son travail est une synthèse de l'engagement théorique et de création artistique critique, tous deux relevant d'une motivation personnelle et d'idéaux d'activiste. Loree veut qu'on remplace la contemplation, fixation, et regard curieux envers les gens ayant des incapacités, et qu'on les voient plutôt comme les pétards qu'ils/elles sont!

*grignotines gratuites servies sur place
*ASL disponible
* limite de 30 personnes, pré-enregistrement requis
* service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis

Où? Salle des clubs de l'Université d'Ottawa UCU 030B
Contactez: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Mercredi, le 2 février 2011:

Midi à 14h
Consentement, dissidence et résistance: déconstruction du discours par rapport au consentement / Panel de discussion
Démonstration des intersections de la résistance sur campus, le discours académique par rapport au consentement, déclaration obligatoire du VIH, droits des travailleuses et travailleurs du sexe, consentement lors de relations allosexuelles, violence sexuelle et perspective des jeunes du discours entourant le consentement.

*repas léger
*ASL disponible
* service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis

Où? Salle des clubs de l'Université d'Ottawa UCU 030B
Contactez: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

19h à 21h
Érotisme et consentement / Andrea Zanin

Andrea Zanin, sob. Sex Geek, parle ou écrit à propos du sexe à peu près tout le temps, à moins qu'elle soit en train de manger, dormir, ou en train de le faire. Elle réside à Toronto et est organisatrice, éducatrice et écrivaine pour les communautés allosexuelles, polyamoureuses, BDSM/cuir, et s'identifie aussi comme alliée envers les personnes transidentifiées. Elle offre régulièrement des présentations sur une sexualité alternative aux universités, collèges, organismes communautaires et conférences au Canada, au États-Unis, et au niveau international.

*grignotines gratuites servies sur place
*ASL disponible
* service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis
Où? Université Carleton - salle Leeds 124
Contactez: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Jeudi, le 3 février 2011

11h30 à 14h30
Groupe de travail sur la violence axée sur le genre / Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

REMIS AU MARDI, 9 FÉVRIER 2011

*ASL disponible
* service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis
Où? Atrium de l'Université Carleton
Contactez: coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

18h à 20h
Le consentement en pratique- pour une sexualité épanouie! Joël Boissé du Centre de la fierté
(en francais)

Joël est un gars allosexuel, transtastique et un fanatique de tout ce qui touche à la sexualité. Qui dit que le consentement doit être poche, banal ou ennuyant? Venez pratiquer quelques techniques de discussion qui vous aideront à prendre charge de votre sexualité et exprimer vos désirs charnels dans cet atelier amusant qui vise l'affirmation de la sexualité de tous!

*grignotines gratuites servies sur place
*LSQ disponible
* service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis

Où? Salle des clubs de l'Université d'Ottawa UCU 030B
Contact Person: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Vendredi, le 4 février 2011:

13h à 15h
Travail du sexe, consentement et le discours pro-choix / Atelier POWER (acr. tr.: prostitué.e.s d'Ottawa/Gatineau travaillent, éduquent et résistent)

Cet atelier vise à adresser la problématique du consentement dans un contexte de travail du sexe par l'entremis d'approches variées. Bien que cette discussion visera à accommoder les goûts des participants, quelques sujets incluront: le consentement en contexte de marginalisation, la criminalisation et stigmatisation, et la façpn dont les discours féministes de travail du sexe en tant que viol influencent les idées proéminentes face au travail du sexe; le consentement et les relations client-escorte ; et le consentement chez les travailleuses et travailleurs du sexe hors du milieu de travail. Ceux qui feront l'animation de l'atelier sont impliqués dans le travail du sexe et se serviront d'expériences personnelles et de leurs connaissances théoriques issues de recherche lors de la discussion.

*repas léger
*ASL disponible
*service de garde disponible avec 24 heures de préavis

Où? Salle des clubs de l'Université d'Ottawa UCU 030B

Contact Person: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Samedi, le 5 février 2011

GETTING OFF! Nuit Erotique/Consensuelle.

- Consexualite et consensualite!
- Celebration du diversite du schema corporel!
- Riot Grrl Burleque
- Art erotique
- Poesie et literature erotique
- partie de danse consensuelle :)
- bienvenue: allosexuelle et transfanatique! (a tous!)
- structure opposante a l'oppression!

avec: DJ Mikkipedia & DJ yalla!yalla!

Portes: 21h

Où? Club SAW, 67 rue Nicholas, Ottawa
Coût: don suggéré de 10$ (19 ans +)

Contactez: consentissexyweek@gmail.com

Merci bien!

//

Need to contact one of the organizers?

JoAnne Gordon: 613-219-4795 (WRC)
Michelle Blackburn: 613-795-8078 (CoalitionforCarleton)

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Official statement on news of a sexual assault on Carleton University's campus

2010-12-19T15:08:00.004-05:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre is appalled at the reporting of a sexual assault occurring on Carleton’s campus in 2009 by a reservist.

On December 13, 2010 the Ottawa Citizen reported that Patrick Humphreys sexually assaulted a womyn in the summer of 2009. Citing "six beers and one shot" as his reasoning, Humphreys’ followed up his assault with apologetic text messages saying that he hoped that his victim would not be upset with him.

As the only group on campus dedicated to sexual assault, the Coalition is appalled at the Citizen’s reporting of this case, where they give credence to Humphreys’ disturbing excuses and go so far as to refer to the assault as "kissing and intrusive sexual touching." Humphreys is being charged with sexual assault – why not call it what it is?

Furthermore, the Coalition is disgusted by Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey's comments, where she states that Humphreys is not a "sexual deviant" and that his assault is "every man’s worst nightmare." For a judge to take such a biased approach to a very serious crime is appalling and deplorable.

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre has been lobbying Carleton University since 2007 for the creation of a sexual assault centre on campus. Since this has not happened, Carleton is unable to offer the survivor of this assault a safe space for support.

As a group of dedicated volunteers and anti-violence activists, we call this incident what it is: a sexual assault by a person in power. For a judge to write it off as bad judgement and for the media to treat is as such is an indication of how pervasive rape culture really is.

We condemn Patrick Humphreys, the Ottawa Citizen, Ontario Court Justice Heather Perskins-McVey and Carleton University. We stand in solidarity with the survivor of this assault and we hope that she is supported in her healing.

If you are looking for support, the Coalition created an independent, survivor driven sexual assault support line in March 2010. The line is open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week and offers free, confidential peer support. The support line number is 613-620-1030.

For more information, please contact us at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Join the Coalition at another great community event -- "Reclaiming Our Bodies"

2010-12-03T09:26:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone!

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, the Ottawa RebELLEs are hosting a fundraising body-painting event Sunday, 5 December 2010, 7:00-9:00pm at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar St.) $3 at the door or pay what you can.

This is a body painting event to celebrate and reclaim our bodies from sexual violence. Our vision is to contrast and resist the violence--physical and otherwise perpetuated on womyn's bodies and bodies that reject gender binaries. Our vision is also to celebrate our bodies through paint and photography in a body-positive and sex-positive space.

You can also have your body photographed by professional photographers for $5.

Painting supplies for body painting and poster painting will be provided.
Music and spoken word by Michelle Blackburn will entertain us.

Party panties are mandatory - but all other clothes are optional

The funds collected from the event for the door and photos will be donated to the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre!

You can get to Venus Envy by bus routes 1, 4 and 7. It is also four blocks south of the downtown Transitway. Venus Envy is accessible by ramp but does not have accessible bathrooms.

All are welcome and we hope you'll come out to help us "reclaim our bodies" and paint our resistance against gender violence.


For more information on the Ottawa RebELLEs, please e-mail them at ottawarebelles@gmail.com, or check out their website at ottawarebelles.blogspot.com.

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Come out on Friday to support the Coalition and CU's BSW Student Association

2010-11-22T08:12:00.004-05:00

The Bachelor of Social Work Student Association is hosting a pub night at Grace O'Malley's Pub on Merivale Road THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26!

Come out and see the Chris Cadell Band (they've opened for Bon Jovi!), have some drinks, and support the creation of a sexual assault centre on campus - whether you're a student or not!

Tickets are $5 and will be on sale in the Atrium Wednesday, November 24 and Thursday, November 25. Tickets are also available in the CUSA office.

Proceeds are going to the BSWSA and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre!

All your on and off campus friends are welcome to join us!

For more information, see the BSWSA's Facebook event page HERE.

See you Friday!

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Updates!

2010-11-18T10:59:00.005-05:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre is planning Consent is Sexy Week, to be held at Carleton University in early 2011! Stay tuned for more information--we're really excited about it!

Also, we're happy to announce that we are starting the process of creating an actual website for the Coalition, where you will be able to access much more information about who we are, what we do, and how to get involved! We are in the planning stages at this time, so send us an e-mail if there is something you think we should include on the new site. We welcome your feedback!

As always, the Support Line is open from 8:00am to midnight, seven days a week. We provide free, confidential peer support and are not affiliated with University administration. Spread the word!

In solidarity,

The Coalition

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support!

2010-09-29T09:14:00.004-04:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre would like to thank all those who came out to support us at Ottawa's annual Take Back the Night March! We enjoyed speaking and marching with all of you.

Also, a reminder that you can still sign our Open Letter to Carleton University's Administration (read it HERE) by e-mailing us at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com. If you would like to list an affiliation with your name, please include it in the e-mail. We encourage Carleton students, staff, faculty and alumni to include their affiliation with the University, but it is by no means necessary.

Thank you again for your continued support!

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Happy Pride!

2010-08-29T09:40:00.005-04:00

Join the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre at the Capital Pride Parade and info fair, today at 1pm in downtown Ottawa! For more information on the parade, see Capital Pride's official website at http://www.capitalpride.ca/.

Happy Pride!

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

ARTGASM fundraiser -- TICKETS ON SALE!

2010-07-19T21:14:00.003-04:00

The Coalition for Carleton Presents...

Artgasm!
Come for the Art, Stay to Hump!

A fun filled, debaucherous evening with an art auction, music, poetry, burlesque and sex-positivity! A drink and appetizer menu will be available also :)

Featuring: Three Little Birds and Rockalily Burlesque!!

Doors open at 7pm and coincides with Mercury Lounge's infamous Hump Night!

Tickets are $8-$12, sliding scale!
Limited number available for purchase at the door--get them in advance at Venus Envy!

As most of you know, the Coalition is a grassroots, indie, feminist, community run sexual assault support line that is available to all students, staff and faculty of Carleton University, and extends to rest of the community! We are not affiliated with or even recognized by Carleton and so all of our work is entirely student driven and community funded.

We will be shameless in saying that we do amazing work, not only through our support line but through our nearly 4 years of advocating on behalf of survivors on campus. But we don't do it alone and we can't do it for free.

Since we do not have a physical space, our line operates through cellphones, which are costly. We need your help! So please come, buy some art, listen to some awesome artists, stay to dance, and help raise awareness surrounding sexual violence!

Support the cause, have a kickin' time, and help put an end sexual violence!

Again:

Wed. July 28th @ Mercury Lounge
(Unfortunately, since we are relying on the genoristy of Ottawa folk, we are having the event at the Mercury Lounge--they gave us the space for free. ♥ the place, but it is NOT accessible. We deeply, deeply apologize for that.)
Doors Open at 7pm. 19+
Tix are $8-$12 Sliding Scale
Limited tickets at the door; available in advance at Venus Envy!

Venus Envy (613-789-4646) is located at 320 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, K2P 0E2

In solidarity,
The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Open Letter to Carleton University Administration

2010-07-16T15:45:00.054-04:00

On June 24th 2010, the Ottawa Citizen published a story in which President Roseanne O’Reilly Runte was quoted as supporting the return of a football team to Carleton University’s campus. According to this article, Carleton is bringing back a football team in 2012 because people on campus demanded it and President Runte wants to 'listen to the Carleton community'. The reasoning behind establishing a football team at Carleton is deeply upsetting and insulting. The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre opposes this latest news. We have been told by President Runte and management at Equity Services that "Students can't just get something because they asked for it".

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Center was formed in the fall of 2007 in the hopes of creating a student-run, university funded sexual assault centre on campus. In early 2008, we held a referendum on campus where over 80% of students supported the creation of a student-run, university funded sexual assault centre.

Carleton’s current president has witnessed support for this centre via letters, faxes, and emails from organizations across Canada. The Coalition held various poster campaigns, a rally and a Task Force on Gender-Based Violence; we have petitioned, sent her letters and have even met with her and her staff.

We have been given a myriad of excuses for not creating a student-run centre, including a lack of funds and the fact that our referendum question was held before her tenure as President.

It is obvious that there is much more at play here. Why do we listen to people who want football teams and not to students who need a sexual assault centre? We demand that Carleton University demonstrate accountability to all of its students, including survivors of sexual assault.

The current situation is completely unacceptable given that the upper administration insists Carleton is experiencing a financial crunch prohibiting this institution from finding funds to send graduate students to present at conferences, or to create proper study spaces for undergraduate students on campus. Indeed, upper management says that money is so tight at Carleton that decisions have been made to fire support staff to make ends meet. If we are so strapped for money, why would we accept and solicit donations to create a football team when people’s jobs are at stake and basic academic needs are lacking?

We demand that Carleton administration show respect for students and the Carleton community by being completely transparent with the information and decisions regarding its finances. Surely, the generous Carleton alumni donors are ultimately interested in ensuring that Carleton University remains a place where higher learning and research are top priority. A sexual assault support centre is part of that mandate since it is a critical step towards ensuring that Carleton students study, learn, and research in a safe and secure space. We ask our Carleton alumni to support us by not donating to Carleton until the centre is a reality at this university.

In addition we would like to highlight that women are being turned away from the Ottawa Civic Hospital due to a shortage of specialized nurses who work specifically with sexual assault survivors. If this is not alarming to the university then the issue of eight women being assaulted per day in Ottawa should raise alarms ("Hidden from Sight," Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women). If Carleton University cared about its students they would do all in their power to assist them in establishing a sexual assault support centre. Access to adequate services is key to academic success. At the moment, Health and Counseling Services are overwhelmed with daily requests for assistance. Establishing a sexual assault support centre would assist in showing students that Carleton University cares and supports students who are survivors of violence.

As there are over 22,000 people including students, staff and faculty who access services on Carleton’s campus we are hopeful that the university and alumni allies will take this into consideration when weighing the need for leisure activities verses essential services. We, the Coalition, see the necessities of having accessible services in order to ensure our campus is safer.

To sign on to this letter, please contact the Coalition at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Signed,

- The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

- Advocacy Committee, Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW)
- Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres (CASAC)
- Carleton University Young Liberals
- Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA)--Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), Local 1
- CUPE 4600, Carleton University
- Fédération Étudiante de l’Université d’Ottawa / Student Federation of the University of Ottawa--FCÉÉ, Section 41 / CFS, Local 41
- The Garden Spot (Carleton Food Collective)
- Graduate Students' Association (GSA), Carleton University--CFS, Local 78
- InSol: Womyn of Colour Collective (OPIRG-Carleton Working Group)
- Native Youth Sexual Health Network
- Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)--Carleton
- Women's Resource Centre, Student Federation of the University of Ottawa
- Women's Studies Student Association (WSSA), University of Ottawa

- Mariful Alam
- Elizabeth Aldrich, 4th year Psychology student and varsity athlete, Carleton University; Support Worker, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC)
- Laura Allardyce, BA (Hons), Carleton University, 2010
- Luanne (McGill) Ashe, BA Mus, Acadia University, 1983; BEd (Mus.Cert.), Dalhousie University, 1989; musician and educator
- Shushan Araya
- Kate Chinwe Ayalogu, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; BA, Global Politics, Carleton University; OPIRG Board of Directors; Aramark Support Campaign
- Yonique Barnett, Carleton University student
- Nancy Baroni, Project Coordinator / Coordinatrice de projets, Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) / L'alliance féministe pour l'action internationale (AFAI)
- Roisin Beck, Carleton University student, MA candidate
- Chris Bisson, Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)
- Diane Blackburn, Royal Lepage
- Michelle Blackburn, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Georgeanne Blue, Coordinator, Women's Resource Centre (Student Federation of the University of Ottawa)
- Brittney Anne Bos, BA (Hons), MA, Carleton University
- Laura Boyaner
- Charlotte Bradley
- James Braun, MA Candidate
- Mathieu Brûlé, Doctoral student (History), York University
- Jason Buck
- Erica Carson
- Gisell Castillo, MA, Carleton University
- Frederique Chabot, Women and HIV/AIDS Community Development Coordinator
- Ione Challborn, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association, Edmonton Region
- Margot Challborn, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Renee Chan
- Meera Chander, VP Finance, Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA)
- Gracie Chapman, 4th year Criminology and Criminal Justice student, Carleton University
- Craig Chartrand, RRT
- Renuka Chaturvedi, PhD, ABD, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University
- Adam Chen, Carleton University student
- Marie-Michèle Chezzi
- Norma Christie, Women for Justice (Fredericton, NB)
- Michèle Clermont
- Valerie Collicott, Advocacy Committee Co-chair, Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW); Policy and Administrative Coordinator, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
- Maureen Collins, Edmonton John Howard Society
- Laura Constantinescu
- Ron Couchman, 4th year undergraduate student, Carleton University
- Andree Crawford, Carleton alumnus
- Erin Cummings, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; 4th year Anthropology student, Carleton University
- Heather Cuthbert
- Emerich Daroya
- Ricardo Da Silva, Carleton University student
- Alice Dean
- Keara Dean, Support Worker, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC); Saint Mary's University alumnus
- Ana Carolina Delage
- Mallory Delarge, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; BA (Hons), Carleton University, 2010
- Vladimir Aleman Delfs, former Carleton University student
- Jeremy Dias, Founder and Executive Director, Jer's Vision: Canada's Youth Diversity Initiative
- Jake Dole, MA (Film Studies), Carleton University
- Jeanette Doucet, BA St Mary's University, 1993
- Martin Dufresne, Secretary, Montreal Men Against Sexism
- Kaitlyn Duthie
- Delroy Dyer
- Amelia Edwards, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Heather M. Elliott
- Jennifer V. Evans, Associate Professor, Carleton University
- Charli F.
- Nadia Fezzani, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Elana Finestone, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Cheyenne Fleet, Public Affairs and Policy Management (Development Studies) student, Carleton University; Coordinator, Aramark Workers Support Committee
- Brittan Florczyk, Community Member, Aramark Workers Support Campaign
- Lorraine Francisco
- Josh Frappier
- Denis Gagné, Carleton University alumnus, 2008
- Stéfanie Gentil, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Patrizia Gentile, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; Assistant Professor, Carleton University
- Sylvie Gervais-Leduc, MCC, CEC - Laurentian University, 1986 - The Art of Excellence
- Kristen Gilchrist, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Hélène Godin, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- JoAnne Gordon, Coordinator, Women's Resource Centre (Student Federation of the University of Ottawa); Support Worker, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC); Vice President Internal, Women’s Studies Student Association, University of Ottawa
- Amanda Graham
- Anna Greczmiel, Carleton University alumnus
- Rene Guardado
- Tara-Lynn Guenette, Carleton University alumnus, 2008
- Sarah Jane Hamilton, Carleton University student
- Amy Hammett
- Kristen Hatz, BA (Hons), Psychology, Carleton University, 2009
- Susan Havart
- Johanna Hove, Carleton University student
- Sandy Hudson, Chairperson, Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario
- Ashley Hunkin, BA, Women's Studies, Carleton University; Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) Womyn's Centre Programming Coordinator, 2006-2007; CUSA Vice President-Student Services, 2007-2008
- Christel Hyshka, Carleton University alumnus
- Dr. Dan Irving, Assistant Professor, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Carleton University
- Nikki Ives-Allison
- Michelle Jackson-Brown, Social Service Worker; BHum, Carleton University, 2003; Carleton University Social Work student
- Karene Josephs
- Zaheen Karim, Carleton University alumnus, 2006
- Christine Kelly
- Erin Kelly, BA, BEd, Laurentian University
- Jayda Kelsall
- Jason Knapp, Host of Special Blends on CKCU 93.1 FM, Ottawa
- Ihor Korbabicz, President, Carleton University Young Liberals
- Lana Kouchnir
- Zlata Kovaltchouk
- Lee Lakeman, British Columbia and Yukon Regional Representative, Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres (CASAC)
- Julie Lalonde, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre co-founder; BA (Hons), Carleton University, 2007
- Tim Lalonde, Director of IT, Manitoulin Group of Companies, father of Carleton student and concerned citizen
- Samantha LaRue
- Leanne, Oxfam Canada Carleton Club
- Polly Leonard, University of Toronto alumnus; Carleton University student
- Rachel Levasseur
- Sarah Livermore, BA (Hons), MA: Legal Studies Candidate, Carleton University
- Amanda Lunan
- Erin Seatter, MA, Carleton University
- Tara Lyons, PhD Candidate (ABD), Carleton University
- Janelle MacDonald, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Jenna MacKay, MA Candidate, Carleton University
- Megan Mackenzie
- Tina Mackey
- Anjali Majmudar
- Gerry Martin
- Heather M. Martin, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; BA (Hons), Carleton University, 2010; MA Candidate, University of Ottawa
- Marilyn A. Martin
- Nicole Matte, Coordinator, Women's Resource Centre (Student Federation of the University of Ottawa)
- Corinne Mason, PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa
- Sarah McCue, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; Carleton University student and varsity athlete
- Rebecca McDonald
- James Meades, Co-President, CUPE 4600, Carleton University
- Shelley Melanson, Deputy Chair, Canadian Federation of Students
- Leila Mian
- Katherine Miceli
- Samantha Mitchell
- Courtney Moore
- Malorie Moore
- Jeffrey Monaghan, MA (Legal Studies), Carleton University
- Christine Moncrieff, Vice President Activism, Women's Studies Student Association (WSSA), University of Ottawa; Social Science Representative, Board of Administration, University of Ottawa; Campaigns Organizer, Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO)
- Yamikani Msosa, Carleton University student
- Concillia Muonde, Public Education Coordinator, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
- Dan Murphy, Carleton University student
- Leila Navabzadeh, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; 4th year undergraduate student, Carleton University
- Dr. Jane Nicholas, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Lakehead University
- Marcus Niekarszewicz, BEng
- Howard Needham
- Mat Nelson, Co-President, CUPE 4600, Carleton University
- Ashley Norlock
- Sarah North
- Sarah O'Brien, University of Ottawa alumnus, 2009; Carleton University Library user
- Ikenna Onyegbula, former Carleton University student
- Jill O'Reilly
- Shaughnessy O'Reilly, University of Ottawa student
- Maria-Hélèna Pacelli
- Rachael Pack
- Dr. Justin Paulson, Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University
- Kimalee Phillip, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; President, Graduate Students' Association, Carleton University
- Steffanie Pinch, 3rd year Journalism student, Carleton University
- Kandace Price, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; 4th year undergraduate student, Carleton University
- Catrina Procaccini
- Lara Purvis
- Danielle Quigley, MA, PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, Carleton University
- Deborah Rachlis, Carleton University alumnus
- Sophie Raniere, Community Outreach Director, Women's Independence Network; 4th year Women's Studies student, University of Ottawa
- L. Pauline Rankin, Associate Professor, Carleton University
- Emily Reynolds, BA, Laurentian University, 2006
- Jodi Richard, BSW, RSW
- Gemma Richardson, BJ, 2004, Carleton University; MA; PhD student, University of Western Ontario
- Andrew Riddles, Web Architect, Computing and Communication Services, Carleton University
- Katrina Riley, BA (Hons), Carleton University, 2010
- Madeline Ritchie
- Jeff Rosien, Algonquin College, 2001
- Dr. Jenny Roth, Assistant Professor, Department of Women's Studies, Lakehead University
- Sreya Roy
- Kelleigh Ryan, Carleton University student and athlete
- Joanne Sass-Williams, Carleton University student, parent of Carleton graduates, prospective alumnus and donor
- Meaghan Savage, 4th year Honours Psychology student, Carleton University
- Jane Scharf
- Andi Schwartz, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; Carleton University undergraduate student
- Dr. Christabelle Sethna, Professor, Institute of Women's Studies/Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
- Roshanne Shamsi
- Professor Elizabeth Sheehy, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
- Aya Shibahara
- Meghan Simmons
- Ashley Sinnis
- AnaLori Smith, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member
- Aynsley Smith, University of Ottawa alumnus
- Claudette Smith
- Karl Smith
- Lindsay Snow
- Laura Sparling
- Dr. Jessica Squires, PhD (2009, History, Carleton University)
- Mélanie Stafford
- Ashton Starr, Carleton Food Collective
- Donald Swartz, Carleton School of Public Policy and Administration (Retired)
- Emma Tarver
- Shelley D. Taylor, Venus Envy
- Taiva Tegler, University of Ottawa student and support worker with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC)
- Denisse Temin
- Monika Thakker, Carleton University alumnus
- Kaisha Thompson, Carleton University Young Liberals
- Kathryn Trevenen, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa
- Shauna Turney
- Rita Valeriano, VP Social, Women's Studies Student Association, University of Ottawa; Employee, Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) Ottawa; intern with local pro-choice organization; Volunteer, Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC)
- Zackary Varve, Carleton graduate student and alumnus
- Sam Whittle, Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre member; Programming Coordinator, Carleton GLBTQ Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Colleen P. Wilson
- Owen Windsor-Liscombe
- Seamus Wolfe, Assistant Campaigner, Polaris Institute
- Genevieve Wong
- Kim Wucher
- Jessica Yee, Native Youth Sexual Health Network
- Laura Zahody, 4th year Journalism and English student, Carleton University

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Rally on Tuesday, July 13

2010-07-09T11:55:00.003-04:00

Dear allies,

There will be a rally held on Tuesday, July 13 in response to the Ottawa Hospital turning away survivors of sexual assault. This is not a Coalition-specific event, but we will be there in order to support survivors. A press release follows. Please attend and spread the word about this event!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa Residents Take a Stand against the Treatment of Sexual Assault Survivors

Ottawa, July 9, 2010 - Front-line workers, activists and Ottawa residents will be gathering at the Human Rights Monument on Tuesday, July 13th 2010 to protest the lack of adequate sexual assault support in Ottawa and across the province.

Last week, the media reported that sexual assault victims at the Civic Hospital were told to either wait or head to Renfrew in order to be seen by a sexual assault nurse. The wait times were as long as 48 hours and required the woman not to shower until she was seen by a nurse. Many women were not able to access other hospitals and never got any medical care. The Ottawa protocol, which was agreed upon by Ottawa Police Services, the Ottawa Hospitals and sexual assault support workers, outlines that women must be seen at the hospital within one hour.

The Civic Hospital came under fire for their failure to comply with the protocol and have recently announced that nurses will be on staff 24 hours a day. Although we applaud this change, it is not enough.

We are asking for consistent compliance with established protocols across the city and the maintenance of protocols across the province. We want the health and safety of Ontario women to be made a priority and not an after-thought. Access to basic medical care is a right that is being denied to women.

The Ottawa Police Services have stated that everyday, 8 women are sexually assaulted and only one reports it. The time for action is now.

The rally will begin at noon at the Human Rights Monument (Corner of Elgin and Lisgar) followed by a march to the Women’s Monument (Elgin and Cooper). The rally will be bilingual and will include the signing of petitions. Cold refreshments and snacks will be made available at the Women’s Monument.

For more information
Julie S. Lalonde
613-301-2697
Julie.s.lalonde@gmail.com

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Call for Donations: Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line's "Artgasm" Event

2010-06-23T12:38:00.004-04:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre will be hosting an art show at the end of July at with all proceeds going to the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line. It's called "Artgasm" and it's being held on Wednesday, July 28th from 7-10pm at the Mercury Lounge to coincide with weekly "Hump Night". Tickets will be on a sliding scale of $8 to $12, soon to be available from Venus Envy.

PREAMBLE:

As most of you know, the Coalition is a grassroots, indie, feminist, community run sexual assault support line that is available to all students, staff and faculty. We are not affiliated or even recognized by Carleton and so all of our work is entirely student driven and community funded.

I will be shameless in saying that we do amazing work, not only through our support line but through our nearly 4 years of advocating on behalf of survivors on campus. But we don't do it alone and we can't do it for free.

Since we do not have a physical space, our line operates through cellphones, which are costly. We also need to print all of our training manuals ourselves, which cost around $200 per training session. There's also the costs for advertising, since Carleton refuses to acknowledge us and constantly tears down our posters. This means that we poster much more than we should have to.

WHAT WE NEED:

We're hosting this amazing event at the end of July at the Mercury Lounge to coincide with their Wednesday night "Hump Night." The event will consist of mingling and listening to great local musicians/poets while having a silent auction of amazing local art. Rockalily Burlesque will also be there to perform!

We are looking for artists to graciously donate paintings, sketches, photographs, jewelery, services (e.g. photography session, spa treatment, etc) for our event.

In return, we will shamelessly plug you and your amazingness and if given enough time, will put you or your organization/company's logo on our posters. Best of all, you'll know that your talents will be used to support survivors of sexual violence.

If you have no artistic ability, remember that we also need people to BUY the art and mingle with us, so you can just show up and buy pretty things, too!

If you're interested, you can get in touch with the Coalition and/or spread the word to others. Get them to e-mail the Coalition at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

In solidarity, resistance and love,

The Coalition for a Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Out and About in the City

2010-05-28T13:49:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone,

If you're out and about in the city this coming weekend, look for the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre.

This Friday, May 28th starting at 2pm, the Coalition and the Carleton University Womyn's Centre will be hosting a t-shirt painting party and info session in the atrium of the UniCentre in preparation for the Clothesline Project. Supplies will be provided and support workers will be on hand to chat with anyone. Facebook event and more info HERE.

This Saturday, the Coalition will be hosting a table of tasty treats and swag at 24 Powell Ave. near Bank St. for the Great Glebe Garage Sale. When you're out there early trying to steal a deal, stop by our table, say hi, grab a drink and a snack and help us end violence in the process! Facebook event and more info HERE.

Finally, on Sunday from 11-4pm the Coalition will be at the Clothesline Project held at Minto Park, on Elgin @ Gilmour. Facebook event and more info HERE.

A final reminder that the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line is open all summer long from 8am-midnight, 7 days a week (including holidays). The number is 613-620-1030.

For more information or to get involved: coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com and don't forget to follow us on Twitter @CoalitionForCU!

Best,

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Coalition chosen as recipient of PROMdemonium funding!

2010-04-23T09:36:00.002-04:00

The Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line (via the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre) has been chosen as one of the recipients of funding from PROMdemonium.

For those of you not in the know, PROMdemonium is "the radical, community-oriented, gender-bending, bike-loving, enviro-humping, queer-diggin, slow dancing, big dress wearing prom that you never had." All the proceeds go to various local community initiatives and the Support Line has been chosen as a recipient.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to not only spread the word about our service but also sustain it!

So please consider throwing on some amazing prom wear and coming out to support not only the Support Line but other great community initiatives, as well.

All the event details can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107830965905327&ref=ts

Best,

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

End of term, but not of service!

2010-04-20T21:07:00.003-04:00

Even though we are approaching the end of term, the Coalition wants to remind you that the Carleton Sexual Assault Support Line will be open all summer long.

We offer free, confidential peer support to any Carleton student, staff or faculty at 613-620-1030. We're open 7 days a week from 8am-midnight.

We also wanted to clarify that we are not strictly for crisis support. Although crisis intervention is something we do, we also offer support to those who are survivors of past trauma and we have a myriad of resource information for those that are seeking outside support. We are trained in anti-oppressive peer support and do not discriminate based on gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, ability, age, Mother Tongue or student status.

The Coalition is also continuing to lobby for a student-run, University funded sexual assault centre. Alongside Equity Services, we will be making a recommendation to the President within the next month or so.

Finally, we'd like to remind everyone that we are not affiliated with or supported by Carleton University and so all of our work is volunteer driven. We were able to start up the line with the help of an anonymous donor, but we have no sustainable funding. Therefore, we are relying on generous community donations.

For more information, to get involved or to make a donation, please contact us at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com or 613-620-1030.

In solidarity,

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

LAUNCH OF SUPPORT LINE: Official Statement

2010-03-22T13:19:00.001-04:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre officially launched a sexual assault support line for Carleton students, staff and faculty this morning at 8am.

The number is 613-620-1030 and the line is open from 8am to midnight, 7 days a week.

The line offers free, confidential, peer support to all Carleton students, staff, and faculty regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, ability, age, Mother Tongue or student status.

We are NOT affiliated with Carleton University administration in any way.

Our work is funded through an anonymous donor.

We are trained support workers who work within an anti-oppressive, feminist, survivor-driven framework. We are here for survivors, first and foremost and our creation of the line is a result of feedback from students over the past 3 years. The Coalition has been very active and very public since the fall of 2007 and in doing so, have been approached by hundreds of students either through our rallies, our Facebook group, our e-mail or through the Task Force on Gender-Based Violence, which was held in November, 2009. Students want access to services that are non-judgmental, non-hierarchical and responsive to the needs of the student body. Survivors want to be heard.

At the Task Force in November, we promised students that their demands would be heard. We are meeting that promise.

We are continuing to participate in a working group with Equity Services with the goal of a joint recommendation to President Runte by the end of this semester. The hope is that President Runte will consider our recommendations for improved sexual assault services on campus and make an announcement in the fall, bringing concrete changes to Carleton. The Coalition is recommending a student-run, university funded sexual assault centre.

For more information, please call or e-mail us at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

In solidarity,

- Julie (Coalition co-founder) and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

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Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Notice: Website Change

2010-03-22T13:09:00.006-04:00

The Coalition for a Carleton SAC's home on the web has moved! You can now find us at the following addresses:

This blog: http://coalitionforcarleton.blogspot.com/
Our Twitter: http://twitter.com/CoalitionForCU
Our e-mail: coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Thank you for your support! Keep spreading the word and resisting!

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook
Support Line: 613-620-1030
coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

LAUNCH OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT LINE

2010-03-22T07:51:00.006-04:00

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT LINE

613-620-1030

8am-Midnight, 7 days a week

Free. Confidential. Peer Support.

Because it's been three years since we voted for a Centre

Who We Are:

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre is an independent student-run collective established in 2007. Our goal is a student-run, university funded sexual assault centre. We are NOT affiliated with Carleton University administration. We are trained support workers who believe in survivor directed, peer support. We support all Carleton students, staff, and faculty regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, ability, age, Mother Tongue or student status.

Sexual Assault Support Line: 613-620-1030

For more information, contact the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre at coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Support Line: 613-620-1030

coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Sexual Assault Awareness Week: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

2010-02-10T11:09:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone,

Have you been to a Sexual Assault Awareness Week event yet?

Just a reminder that TODAY, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, we will be screening the riveting documentary, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes. This film examines representations of gender roles in hip-hop culture and rap music!

The film takes an in-depth look at representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture. This groundbreaking documentary is a "loving critique" of certain disturbing developments in rap music culture from the point of view of a fan who challenges the art form's representations of masculinity.

Leading rap and hip-hop artists including Mos Def, Busta Rhymes and Russell Simmons are interviewed and pressed to answer some difficult questions about the violent and sexually explicit content of many hip-hop songs and videos.

This documentary is one of a kind!! I suggest that each and every one of you come out!!

And, to put the icing on the cake, the Capital Slam winning team, The Recipe, will be performing a piece that they specifically prepared for tonight's event--Confessions.

See you all in the Minto Building, Bell Theatre tonight at 7pm!

For more information, see the Sexual Assault Awareness Week Facebook event HERE.

-----------------------------
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

CU Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Feb. 8-11

2010-02-01T09:13:00.007-05:00

Join the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre in their first joint project with Equity Services!

Carleton University's Sexual Assault Awareness Week has been organized by the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre and Equity Services and has been funded by Equity.

All the events are free, open to anyone and cover a wide range of topics and activities.

Monday, February 8th, 2010
10am - 3pm
Join us in the atrium for an info fair with a "Clothesline Project"
There will be FOOD and PRIZES

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
12 - 1:30pm
Join us at 2017 Dunton Tower for "Understanding sexual violence in the context of missing and murdered aboriginal women" presented by Kate Rexe of the Sisters in Spirit Campaign
Snacks will be provided

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
7-9pm
Join us in the Bell Theatre, Minto Building for an evening of taking on sexual violence and popular culture.
We have "Confessions" performed The Recipe (formerly the Capital Poetry Collective) followed by a screening of "Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes"
There will be a facilitated discussion and snacks!

Thursday, February 11, 2010
12 - 1:30pm
2017 Dunton Tower
Join us for "What Went Wrong in Rwanda: Rape, Genocide and the International Tribunal for Rwanda" by Professor Doris Buss
Snacks will be provided

and then that night...

7-9pm
435 Patrick Building
Join us for a panel discussion on "Healthy Relationships" with Kandace Price (Womyn's Centre Coordinator), The Carleton GLBTQ Centre and Venus Envy.
Once again, we've got snacks!

Spread the word and do your part to end sexual assault!

For more information, see the Facebook event HERE.

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Task Force on Gender-Based Violence: Success!

2009-11-10T15:51:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to say THANK YOU to all those who came out to the Task Force today. It was tremendously successful by all accounts.

Thank you to those who so eloquently spoke about their experiences. It was emotional, it was upsetting but most of all, it was powerful.

I know I speak for all the panelists when I say THANK YOU for your contributions and please know that all your comments will be included in our final report, to be released soon.

Once again, if you'd like to be involved with the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre, please send an e-mail to coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

In solidarity,

Julie Lalonde
Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Task Force on Gender-Based Violence TOMORROW

2009-11-09T19:31:00.003-05:00

Gender-Based Violence on Campus: It's happening. You've seen it, you've heard it and you've witnessed it. So now is the time to speak up.

Join the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre, The Womyn's Centre, The Graduate Students’ Association and students across campus for this open forum.

Panelists will be making brief presentations and then the floor is open to anyone who would like to speak about their experience, the experience of someone they know or their general thoughts about the issue.

Not comfortable speaking in front of a group? Written submissions will be accepted at the forum.

The main goal is to bring the issue into the open and to get the campus community and Carleton administration to recognize that this is a problem. The end goal is a written report that will be compiled from all the statements made that day and submitted to Carleton University Administration and the media.

Your silence will not protect you.

Open Your Eyes. Listen Up. Speak Out.

Tuesday, November 10th
Starts at 11am
Atrium, UniCentre, Carleton University

>> Facebook event here <<

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Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

TASK FORCE on GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: Nov. 10 at Carleton!

2009-11-04T10:12:00.002-05:00

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre (in conjunction with the Womyn's Centre and the Graduate Students' Association) will be hosting a Task Force on Gender-Based Violence on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009. It will take place from 11am-1pm in the University Centre Atrium at Carleton University. Be there, and spread the word!

More information will be made available in the days leading up to the task force--please check back!

Lastly, don't forget to follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AskingForIt

-----------------------------

Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre

Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Depoliticizing Sexual Assault at Carleton University (Radio!)

2009-11-04T10:03:00.002-05:00

Hear the Coalition on the radio! Interview on CKDU 88.1 FM (Halifax) from October HERE.

More information:

CKDU News Collective
September 30, 2009

HALIFAX–Carleton University students and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre are outraged by the latest known sexual assault on campus. Carleton University Campus Safety has released information regarding an assault that occurred near residence on September 25th, 2009 in which a woman was “struck in the face and groped by an unknown male”. Posters have been put up around campus reporting the incident. The Coalition questions why the information describes a sexual assault but labels the incident as an “assault” only.

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre was formed in 2007 after a high-profile sexual assault on campus exposed the lack of adequate support services. After a three-year campaign for increased services, students at Carleton University are still waiting for a centre, for which over 80% of students voted in favour in a 2008 referendum. The campaign reached a fever pitch this past summer when the survivor of the high-profile sexual assault filed a lawsuit against the University. In its statement of defence, Carleton argued that the woman, “failed to take appropriate or any action for her own safety”. Harsh criticism from students, alumni and advocates across the country prompted the University to settle with the plaintiff. However, a Sexual Assault Centre remains to be seen on campus and students continue to demand one.

In this episode of Operation Wake Up! News Collective Host Jane Kirby interviews Julie Lalonde of the Coalition for Carleton University Sexual Assault Centre about Carleton University’s continued failure to take issues of sexual assault seriously, as well as disturbing trends in universities’ responses to this issue and to activism on campuses across the country.

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Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre
Blog -- Twitter -- Facebook

Reaction to last week's sexual assault on campus

2009-10-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

The following is the official release from Carleton University through the campus safety website, a press release from the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre and an article about the criticism Carleton is facing over this particular incident.

OFFICIAL RELEASE FROM CU CAMPUS SAFETY WEBSITE:

Friday September 25th- Assault in Residence Quad

The Department of University Safety advises that there has been an assault on campus. Between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Friday September 25th, a female was struck in the face and groped by an unknown male. This incident occurred in the Quad area of Residence. The male is described as a white, in his 20’s, clean shaven, wearing a baseball cap. Anyone with information or who was witness to the incident is encouraged to contact University Safety at 613-520-3612.

COALITION FOR A CARLETON SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE PRESS RELEASE:

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2009

CARLETON STUDENTS OUTRAGED BY LATEST SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAMPUS

OTTAWA—Carleton University students and the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre are outraged by the latest known sexual assault on campus. Carleton University Campus Safety has released information regarding an assault that occurred near residence on September 25th, 2009 in which a woman was “struck in the face and groped by an unknown male”. Posters have been put up around campus reporting the incident. The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre questions why the information describes a sexual assault but labels the incident as an “assault” only. “The information we have clearly speaks of a sexual assault and yet the University has labelled it otherwise. This isn’t an issue of semantics but of misleading information,” says Julie Lalonde, coordinator of the Coalition.

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Centre was formed in 2007 after a high-profile sexual assault on campus exposed the lack of adequate support services. After a three-year campaign for increased services, students at Carleton University are still waiting for a centre, for which over 80% of students voted in favour in a 2008 referendum. The campaign reached a fever pitch this past summer when the survivor of the high-profile sexual assault filed a lawsuit against the University. In its statement of defence, Carleton argued that the woman, "failed to take appropriate or any action for her own safety". Harsh criticism from students, alumni and advocates across the country prompted the University to settle with the plaintiff. However, a Sexual Assault Centre remains to be seen on campus and students continue to demand one.

“This latest assault is further evidence that sexual assault and sexual violence, particularly against women, continues to happen at Carleton and that what the University has done is not working,” adds Lalonde. “The official acknowledgement of sexual assault remains taboo on campus and the use of the term ‘assault’ rather than ‘sexual assault’ demonstrates this. The labelling of incidences on campus is shrouded in politics. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go at Carleton.”

Link to CBC article: Carleton faces criticism after campus attack

Please continue to stand up and demand better from Carleton. What they have done and continue to do is clearly not working. Where is our sexual assault centre? Where is our public accountability from administration?

TODAY - Demonstration against CU's stated position on sexual assault

2009-08-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Last call for today's demonstration at CU.

The demo begins at 2:30pm in the atrium of the UniCentre. We will be making signs, getting organized and then heading to President Runte's office to drop off petitions and letters of opposition.

We will then be marching to the CU entrance for the most important part of our demo: A rally at the Bronson/Sunnyside entrance from 4-6pm. We need as many people to attend the rally in opposition to Carleton's stated position on sexual assault and sexual assault services.

If you can only attend for a portion of the demo, the rally from 4-6pm is crucial.

Bring your signs, noise makers and spirit and help us bring accountability to CU! We're asking for it!

Tomorrow afternoon, demand accountability!

2009-08-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder that tomorrow, August 17th starting at 2:30pm there will be a demo on campus to speak out against Carleton University's stance on sexual assault.

Although CU has settled their lawsuit with Jane Doe,

1- Carleton University has not retracted or addressed their statements from the legal defense which stated that the "victim failed to prevent the assault" and that the injuries she "claims" to have sustained are "exaggerated, excessive and due to a pre-existing medical condition"

2- Carleton University's administration has explictly stated that they will not support or allow the creation of a student-run, university funded sexual assault centre, even though 75% of undergraduate students and over 80% of graduate students have voted for one.

3- All initiatives presented by CU in their mass e-mail regarding sexual assault were pushed for and demanded by students. CU is not voluntarily making any changes. Sexual assault remains taboo on campus.

Do not allow CU to speak for you. If you support improved services on campus and want to continue to see the issue of sexual assault on the table at CU, we need you out tomorrow. Carleton has demonstrated that they respond to bad press and public pressure. Let's use this.

Write President Runte at presidents_office@carleton.ca

And meet us tomorrow at 2:30pm in the University Centre atrium. If you only have an hour or so to spare, then come out at 4pm to the rally on Bronson/Sunnyside. We need CU to understand that their views are not held by many.

Accountability: We're Asking For It!

Update on Monday's demonstration

2009-08-12T22:39:00.000-04:00

Carleton University is being sued by the woman who was brutally sexually assaulted in 2007. In response, the university states that the victim's injuries were "caused or contributed to by the Plaintiff through her own negligence... she was not keeping a proper lookout for her own safety."

We urge all community members who believe in women's rights to email your thoughts to:

President Roseann O'Reilly Runte presidents_office@carleton.ca
Vice President Duncan Watt duncan_watt@carleton.ca
Equity Services equity@carleton.ca

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Support Centre is launching a campaign in response: "Accountability, safety, respect, dignity: We're Asking For It!" We are organizing an emergency rally for next Monday, Aug. 17th:

A demonstration, organized by Carleton Students and members of the Ottawa community, is being held to bring attention to Carleton's stance on sexual assault. Student demonstrators will meet at at 2:30pm in the atrium of the University Centre and will head to the CU's administration offices at 3:00pm to present petitions and opposition letters. We will then march to the Bronson/Sunnyside entrance where we will be joined by members of the larger community for a rally from 4:30-6:00pm.

For more information and to get involved, contact coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Official Court Document

2009-08-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Official court document outlining the positions of both sides (Posted by the Ottawa Citizen)

More in the news

2009-08-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

Carleton lawsuit raises issues of responsibility (National Post)

Sex attack victim sues Carleton U: Student association says don't blame the victim (Ottawa Sun)

Demonstration planned for Monday, 17 August 2009

2009-08-10T08:29:00.001-04:00

From the Facebook Event page:

"A demonstration, organized by Carleton Students and members of the Ottawa community, is being held to bring attention to Carleton's stance on sexual assault.

The demonstration will begin at 2:30pm in the atrium of the University Centre. Demonstrators will march to the CU's administration offices to present petitions and opposition letters.

A march will ensue to the Bronson/Sunnyside entrance for a rally."

Accountability, safety, respect, dignity: We're Asking For It! Spread the word!

Upcoming interviews regarding Carleton's response

2009-08-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

Upcoming interviews regarding Carleton's response to the sexual assault:

Tuesday morning (August 11) at 8:35am on Take 5, a a weekday morning current affairs program airing on CIUT 89.5 FM in Toronto.
Wednesday morning (August 12) from 6:00 to 7:00am on CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa.

In the news

2009-08-10T07:58:00.001-04:00

Sex-assault victim sues Carleton: Woman claims security was inadequate; university says she didn't do enough to protect herself (Ottawa Citizen)

Carleton Students Urge University to Stop Blaming Victim

Carleton defence statement ‘victim blaming’, student leaders say (Ottawa Citizen)

Carleton University's views on sexual assault do NOT represent me!

2009-08-10T07:45:00.000-04:00

(From the original Facebook group, Carleton University's Views on Sexual Assault Do Not Represent Me)

We must organize, mobilize and act against Carleton University's latest statements regarding sexual assault in general and a 2007 sexual assault in particular.

Background Info: Official court document outlining the positions of both sides (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/pdf/document.pdf)

Unlike Carleton University, we believe that:

sexual assault victims are not responsible for their assault;
Carleton University was not (in 2007) and is not currently a space free from sexual assault;
the majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim and that Carleton's latest comments only further the myth that self-defense classes and pepper spray will prevent all assaults;
a dedicated Sexual Assault Support Centre should be created and sustained on Carleton University's campus;

and that

the victim of the high-profile 2007 sexual assault in question should be awarded the full amount requested.

We are students, ex-students, graduates, professors, academics, executive directors, public servants, support workers and allies from all different spectrums who support victims and survivors of violence and are disgusted by Carleton University's position.

This is not about this particular incident or about the lawsuit. This is about Carleton University's stated position on sexual assault and overall student safety.

Carleton University does NOT represent me.