Choose Consent
CONSENT IS CONTINUOUS. EXPLORE, DISCOVER AND CELEBRATE CONSENT IN EVERY MOMENT
Consent is a voluntary, conscious, active and ongoing agreement to something. When it comes to sexual activity, consent is mandatory. Sexual activity without consent is sexual assault.
“Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting your personal boundaries and respecting those of your partner — and checking in if things aren’t clear. Both people must agree to sex — every single time — for it to be consensual.”
(Source: Planned Parenthood)
Choose Respect
DISCUSS AND SET BOUNDARIES THAT HONOUR YOUR NEEDS AS WELL AS YOUR PARTNER’S
Self-regulation and respect are fundamental to healthy relationships. If someone is not interested in sexual activity, their partner is responsible to respond with respect and understanding, knowing that all people have the choice to do what they want with their own bodies.
Choosing respect is knowing the importance of open communication and respecting personal boundaries for genuine connections. Respect encourages individuals to express their desires and needs openly while being mindful of others' limits. Respect is crucial in making sure your interactions are safe and any decisions are shared.
Choose Action
WORDS MATTER. STAND UP, SPEAK OUT AND SAY NO TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Everyone has a responsibility to keep our campus safe. Change comes when we all take part and recognize that we have a role to play. We can all choose to challenge behaviours of others and demonstrate empathy for our community.
Take the opportunity to learn more about how to intervene and challenge toxic and harmful behaviours. With 71 per cent of college students reporting that they have witnessed or experienced GBSV while being a student, you may need to draw on these skills one day.
Choose Support
If YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, AND SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE.
We believe you. Nothing that you did caused someone to harm you. You do not need to walk through this alone.
Lethbridge Polytechnic has support available to help you explore your options and help navigate your next steps. You will always have choice, and connecting for support is confidential and safe.
Connect with Lynda Church, our student support advisor, at gbsvsupport@lethpolytech.ca or use our reporting platform REES to record your story and determine what you want to do next.
Choose Change
END TOXIC MASCULINITY THROUGH RESPECT AND INTEGRITY
Many of us have learned harmful messages about our roles in relationships.
Often, men and those who identify as males have been taught that aggression, force and dominance are acceptable and expected behaviours in relationships, while sensitivity, care and expressions of emotion are not. Unlearning these messages takes time and conscious effort to change. Reflection and honest discussion have the power to change these unhealthy messages about what it means to be masculine.