Fifty-one per cent of women who experience sexual harassment in the workplace discussed it with someone at work. Graphic by Zach Robinson. Abuse of power dynamics in the workplace has led to the rise of mass movements to create change. Despite growing advocacy for change, workplace sexual harassment is an issue that persists to this…
Active bystanders help reduce harm
The “Four D’s” are different strategies for intervening. Graphic by Brett Browne. Being an active bystander is an important role that anyone can play when they encounter incidents of gender-based and sexual violence, according to local experts. Laura Oviedo-Guzmán, system navigator and education specialist with the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre, says an active bystander is…
Exploring the complex triggers of sexual assault
Percentages around PTSD in Canada and how common it is with trauma. Grapic by Keira Astalos. The discussion around sexual assault is something that can be extremely challenging and a critical aspect that goes along with it is triggers. After a sexual assault, post-traumatic stress disorder can be one of many ways victims need extra…
Navigating the long road to healing from sexual trauma
Recovering from sexual trauma is not something that can be achieved overnight. It is a long journey that needs courage and support. Lynda Church, a support nurse at Lethbridge College, and Cheryl Patterson, the manager of Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, have offered valuable advice for survivors of sexual assault and their friends and…
Healing together: A guide for helping loved ones through sexual assault
Encouraging recovery through understanding and compassion. #IBelieveYou. Graphic by Ma. Janine Doroca. In a society where sexual assault is pervasive, experts emphasize the value of friends and family in helping survivors get the care they need. People are urged to educate themselves on how to care for their loved ones in a compassionate and efficient…
Fighting Sextortion in Canada
Sextortion is the act of extortion using sexual material, like a photograph. Graphic by Justin Sibbet. A single lapse in judgement can lead anyone down a dark path involving blackmail, the destruction of relationships and ultimately suicide. While it may appear to be a mostly innocent message meant for a potential sexual partner, a nude…
Growing the conversation of consent
An acynom by Planned Parenthood that is often used to help teach consent. Graphic by Angie Wiebe. Consent is a topic often talked about and addressed but not many people actually understand what consent is. Consent has a general definition of permission for something to happen or an agreement to something. According to an article…
Local fashion week strives for inclusivity and diversity
Mackenzie Fehr and Hayley Lagler are happy to discuss positivity around body inclusivity on Oct.8. Photo by Keira Astalos. From runways to pageants, models have taken a dramatic shift in appearance for what used to be an industry standard. Accepting diverse body sizes has been the new norm for the fashion industry. Although inclusivity has…
Lethbridge College food program aims to help those struggling
Lori Harasem, health promotions coordinator, stocks the shelves of the food pantry at Lethbridge College on Oct. 11. Photo by Zach Robinson In an effort to support struggling students experiencing food insecurity, Lethbridge College has taken action by making food more readily available to those in need. One expert says food security is a challenge…
New platform gives sexual assault survivors options to share their story
Lethbridge College students now have access to a secure, 24-hour on-line reporting called REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) that can be accessed through the College’s web site. A new reporting platform is giving those who have experienced gender-based or sexual violence a new way to share their story. Students now have access to a secure,…