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Counselling Services

 

Counselling Services

Counselling services and supports are inclusive, confidential, and available to all Red Deer Polytechnic students free of charge.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

What is Sexual and Gender-Based Violence? 

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) encompasses any act of violence directed at an individual based on their sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. This can include:

  • Sexual violence: Any non-consensual sexual act or attempt, including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, etc.
  • Verbal violence: Includes name-calling, threats, insults, derogatory comments, etc.
  • Physical violence: Any form of physical harm inflicted on someone, such as hitting, shoving, throwing objects, etc.
  • Psychological violence: Behaviors that cause any sort of psychological trauma to another person, including intimidation, manipulation, coercion, emotional abuse, etc.

Sexual and gender-based violence can impact individuals of any age, gender, or background, often leading to severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for survivors. Addressing SGBV and working together on establishing preventative measures is crucial for creating safe and inclusive environments for everyone.

 

Watch the video below for a brief overview of sexual and gender-based violence.

As mentioned, the most common types of SGBV include sexual, physical, verbal, and psychological violence. However, there are other forms of SGBV that should also be recognized. Let's explore some additional types that fall under the umbrella:

Additional Types of SGBV

  • Economic Violence: Economic violence involves controlling a person's access to financial resources, employment, or education, thereby limiting their ability to support themselves and forcing dependency. This can include withholding money, preventing someone from working, or sabotaging their educational or professional opportunities.
  • Digital Violence: Digital violence involves using technology to harass, stalk, or abuse someone. This includes cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and doxing (publishing private information online). The anonymity and reach of digital platforms can amplify the impact of this type of violence.
  • Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refers to any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological harm caused by a current or former partner. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples, does not require sexual intimacy, and can occur in both dating and marital relationships, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. IPV includes a range of abusive behaviors such as physical assault, sexual coercion, emotional manipulation, intimidation, economic control, and more, all aimed at gaining or maintaining power and control over the partner.

These examples represent just a few of the diverse forms of SGBV that individuals may experience. Recognizing and understanding these different types is crucial for providing comprehensive support to survivors and working towards preventing it in all its forms. 

Understanding the factors that can lead to SGBV is a crucial step in learning how to prevent it. By closely examining some common causes, we can develop strategies to create safer environments and reduce incidents of SGBV.

Common Reasons for SGBV

  • Gender Inequality: An imbalance in society where one gender is seen as superior, often resulting in the marginalization and victimization of the less privileged gender.
  • Gender Discrimination: When individuals are treated unfairly based on their gender.
  • Harmful Gender Norms and Stereotypes: Rigid and outdated beliefs about the roles and behaviors deemed appropriate for different genders.
  • Limited Understanding of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: A lack of awareness and education about what constitutes SGBV, as well as a limited knowledge regarding preventative measures.
  • Uncertainty or Hesitation: Victims and bystanders may be unsure whether what they are experiencing or witnessing what qualifies as SGBV, leading to inaction.

Understanding these reasons for SGBV is important in fighting against it. These examples are just a few of the many things that can lead to SGBV. Knowing various ways SGBV can happen and understanding why it happens helps us give better support to survivors and work towards reducing violence in our communities.

Examples of Actions to Help Reduce Incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

  1. Educate Yourself Beyond the Surface: Take advantage of educational opportunities such as trainings, events and activities, and resources to deepen your understanding of SGBV, its root causes, and effective prevention strategies.

  2. Be a Part of Normalizing Safe and Healthy Discussions about SGBV: Engage in meaningful discussions about SGBV and related subjects like consent. By doing so, you can break down stigmas and raise awareness, leading to constructive and open dialogue which promotes understanding, support, and empowerment.

  3. Respect Other People's Rights to Their Personal Choices: Respect individuals' autonomy and right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, relationships, and lifestyles. Avoid imposing your beliefs or judgments on others and strive to create an environment of mutual respect and acceptance.

  4. Practice Active Listening and Empathy: Be attentive and empathetic if someone shares their experience with SGBV. Validate their feelings, offer support, and refrain from passing judgment. Sometimes, simply being there to listen can make all the difference and offer exactly what that person needs.

  5. Know How to Help: Be educated on practical ways to intervene and support survivors of SGBV. For example:

    • Learn How to Be an Intervening Bystander: Take proactive steps to intervene safely and effectively if you witness a potentially harmful situation. This could include stepping in directly if it's safe to do so, contacting authorities for assistance, and more.

    • Educate Yourself on Support Services for SGBV: Get to know the support services offered on campus and in the community for survivors of SGBV. This includes counselling services, crisis hotlines, medical resources, and more. Being informed about these resources or knowing where to find them can empower you to offer valuable support and guidance to survivors seeking assistance.

By taking these proactive steps, you can contribute to creating a campus community that is safe, supportive, and free from sexual and gender-based violence. Your efforts can make a meaningful difference in reducing and preventing SGBV, as well as helping survivors in their journey toward healing and justice.

Highlighted Student Supports and Resources

On Campus

  • Campus Security
    • (Non-Emergency) 403.342.3445 | (Emergency403.343.4000
  • Counselling Services
    • 403.343.4064 | counselling@dpolytech.ca | Room 1402
  • Health and Wellbeing Services 
    • 403.342.3427 | health.safety@rdpolytech.ca | Room 901
  • Indigenous Student Supports
    • 403.357.3672 | indigenous.services@rdpolytech.ca | R1009
  • International Student Supports
    • 403.356.4941 | international@rdpolytech.ca | R1009

Off Campus

 

For a comprehensive list of resources available at RDP campus and within the surrounding community, please access the PDF document by clicking on the following link: On and Off Campus Supports and Resources.