草莓污视频导航

May 23, 2019

Leading expert in addressing sexual violence moderates 草莓污视频导航 panel on May 24

Deb Tomlinson joins post-secondary collaboration for Sexual Violence Awareness Month
Deb Tomlinson, CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, brings more than three decades of experience to panel event at 草莓污视频导航 on May 24.

Deb Tomlinson, CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.

Deb Tomlinson

草莓污视频导航 alumna Deb Tomlinson has become one of Alberta鈥檚 leading experts in addressing sexual violence over the past three decades, from on-the-ground work like counselling education and crisis response to leading province-wide initiatives, including the #IBelieveYou campaign and the recent launch of One Line, a new service for sexual violence support.听

On May 24, the CEO of the听听(AASAS) will be sharing her expertise as the moderator for听Standing in Solidarity, a panel conversation about addressing sexual violence in post-secondary institutions.

Hosted at 草莓污视频导航, the panel brings together sexual violence experts from across the city, including Carla Bertsch, sexual violence support advocate at 草莓污视频导航; Cari Ionson, sexual violence response and awareness co-ordinator for Mount Royal University; and Erin Kordich, sexual violence support and education liaison from Bow Valley College.

鈥淭his event is an opportunity to talk about the issue of sexual violence. It鈥檚 been hidden in the shadows of secrecy and shame, so speaking publicly is an important change,鈥 says Tomlinson.

鈥淪urvivors are watching and listening. When they see a conversation happening on campus in support of survivors, that makes a difference. It sends the message that we believe them, it鈥檚 not their fault, they can reach out for support, and there are services available.鈥

According to Tomlinson, it鈥檚 important for post-secondary institutions to work alongside local agencies like听, a member agency of AASAS, to take leadership roles in addressing sexual violence. Not only are universities sources of education, but, as Tomlinson points out, the largest at-risk demographic for sexual assault can usually be found on campus.

鈥淪exual assault affects all ages, gender identities and backgrounds, but the highest at-risk group in Canada are females aged 16 to 24听鈥斕齛 major demographic at post-secondary institutions,鈥 she says.

One in three female-identifying individuals and one in six male-identifying individuals will experience sexual assault in Canada, statistics that are exacerbated by factors including race, Indigeneity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. For Tomlinson, bringing conversations about sexual violence to campus is an important step in educating students on the severity and commonality of the crime while heightening awareness.

鈥淪tudents are the leaders of our future, the educators of our future and the parents of our future. Influencing them at this important developmental stage in their lives will have a significant impact for all of us.鈥

In addition to bringing issues of sexual violence into the open, Tomlinson also hopes attendees walk away understanding the power a positive response can have as well as what reporting options are available, how to access them, and what to expect in the process.

鈥淚鈥檓 so excited and proud to see the post-secondary institutions collaborating with each other. Collaboration isn鈥檛 always easy, but when we find common ground, we have a louder voice and greater power听鈥斕齣t鈥檚 incredible what we can accomplish.鈥

If you think you have experienced sexual violence, or know someone who has, visit the鈥痜or campus and community resources, or arrange a confidential consultation with听Carla听Bertsch, the university鈥檚 sexual violence support advocate,听by confidential鈥email.听