Rationale

Issue

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) encompasses a range of violent behaviors disproportionately affecting women, gender-diverse individuals, and children. These acts include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. GBSV is a significant public health issue that undermines the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.

Our Research

  • Prevalence: GBSV remains pervasive in Canada, with nearly 1 in 3 women experiencing some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
  • Impact on Marginalized Groups: Women of color, Indigenous women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities are at greater risk and face additional barriers when seeking support.
  • Economic Toll: GBSV has significant economic impacts, costing billions in healthcare, legal services, and lost productivity annually.
  • Underreporting: Many cases of GBSV go unreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in law enforcement or judicial systems.

  • Limited Support Services: Despite the availability of services, many victims struggle to access the help they need due to a lack of resources, long wait times, and inadequate protection.
  • Intersectionality: Victims from marginalized groups often face compounded challenges due to systemic discrimination and cultural barriers.
  • Legal Barriers: The current legal framework is often inadequate in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, especially in cases involving intimate partner violence.

  • Reporting Rates: Only 5% of women report their experiences of domestic violence to the police (Statistics Canada).
  • Economic Impact: The cost of violence against women in Canada is estimated at $7.4 billion per year (Justice Canada).
  • Indigenous Women: Indigenous women are 3.5 times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women (Native Women’s Association of Canada).

Our Position

WUSA advocates for comprehensive, survivor-centered policies and services to prevent gender-based sexual violence and support those affected. This includes improving access to resources, enhancing legal protections, and addressing the root causes of violence.

  • Enhanced Campus Safety: Advocate for prioritization of physical and organizational safety measures to protect students from gender-based and sexual violence.
  • Comprehensive Sexual Education: Development and delivery of thorough sexual education programs for students before they begin their university journey.
  • Preventive Education and Training: Implementation of high-quality prevention education and training across campus, guided by best practices, to reduce the risk of gender-based and sexual violence.
  • Effective Disclosure Response Training: Implementation of training for the campus community on appropriate responses to disclosures of gender-based and sexual violence.
  • Accessible Resources and Support: Ensuring that students have the necessary resources, guidance, and support to prevent and respond to incidents of gender-based and sexual violence.
  • Trauma-Informed Services: Support the allocation of sufficient funding and resources to provide survivor-centric, trauma-informed services for students who have experienced gender-based or sexual violence.

Read our full Advocacy Position Statement here.

Student Resources

Empower Me

Mental health and wellness services offering support for students dealing with the effects of GBSV.

Learn more about Empower Me

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)

Provides support and resources to individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence.

Learn more about SVPRO

Legal Aid Clinic

Provides free legal advice for students needing help with issues related to domestic violence, such as obtaining restraining orders or navigating the court system

Learn more about the Legal Aid Clinic

Campus Safety Office

Provides resources and support for students experiencing domestic violence. Available 24/7.

Learn more about the Campus Safety Office

Counseling Services

Offers confidential counseling for students dealing with domestic violence, helping them to navigate their options and access further support.

Learn more about Counseling Services

Campaigns

  • A modern glass and brick building with people sitting and walking on a green lawn in front, featuring a university logo on the building.
    From Awareness to Action: Preventing Sexual Violence on Campus

    Every May, we come together to recognize Gender-Based and Sexual Violence (GBSV)

  • A group of students are engaged in a discussion around a table. A female student stands, explaining something to three seated students who are listening attentively. The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association logo is visible in the corner of the image.
    WUSA’s Safety Roundtable Recap

    On March 3, 2025, WUSA hosted a roundtable for students to talk

  • Graphic with the text "F.R.I.E.S. for Fries" surrounded by colorful speech bubbles and waffle fries.
    Fries for F.R.I.E.S.: Free Poutine & A Side of Consent Awareness! 🍟✨

    On January 30, 2025, nearly 700 students showed up for our FRIES

  • Three people are sitting on the grass in a park, engaged in lively conversation about campus safety, framed by trees and distant buildings.
    Why Campus Safety is a WUSA Advocacy Priority & How You Can Share Your Voice

    Campus safety is more than just physical security—it encompasses personal, emotional, and

  • Two illustrated people are talking on phones, one says "WUBA" with an air of urgency, while the other has an exclamation mark in a speech bubble, highlighting the importance of safety and well-being.
    WUSA Incident Reporting: Updated Resources to Support Your Safety and Well-Being

    The WUSA Incident Reporting Form has been updated to enhance clarity and

  • Red Zone Campaign Recap 

    The Red Zone refers to the first six to eight weeks of

  • Banner for Consent Week at the University of Waterloo, September 16th to 20th, promoting consent culture and literacy with a floral design and a heron on the left side. Join us in our Sexual Violence Prevention efforts and explore campus services dedicated to fostering a safe community.
    Navigating Support: Campus Services for Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

    At the University of Waterloo, a range of dedicated offices provide essential

  • A graphic with a torn red background features the text "Reclaiming Red Zone." Below the text are simplified icons of six people, mostly grey with one in dark blue. Adjacent to the icons is a red and black duct tape X symbol.
    Reclaiming the Red Zone

    The start of every school year offers great promise, possibility, and potential

  • A graphic with the text "Reclaiming the Red Zone" on an orange-red, torn paper background. Below the text, there are white and dark blue silhouettes of people, with one person colored dark blue. A red and black tape in an 'X' shape appears on the right side.
    Reclaiming the Red Zone
  • Display of boards with messages and decorations for "Consent Week" occurring from January 24-28, 2022, created by UW Against Sexual Violence. Featuring the powerful message that "No Means NO," the event aims to eliminate any doubt about the importance of clear and affirmative consent.
    There’s NO doubt about it: No means NO.
  • A white ribbon symbol with the text "The National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women" is set against a divided blue and teal background, highlighting the importance of addressing and combating violence against women.
    The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
  • Two individuals stand in front of display boards with messages against sexual violence. The board in the center reads "UW - Against Sexual Violence" surrounded by informational posters and notes, emphasizing the ongoing fight to eliminate violence against women.
    The Ongoing Fight to Eliminate Violence Against Women
  • A candle with a flame in the colors of the transgender pride flag on a dark blue background. Text above reads "Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021.
    Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021
  • Two people with long hair stand with their backs to the camera, one arm wrapped around each other, adjacent text reads, "Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence Awareness Statement," accompanied by a trigger warning.
    Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Awareness Statement

    Trigger Warning: Mentions of sexual violence and assault. The Waterloo Undergraduate Student

  • Your policy, your input. UWaterloo's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) text on a blue background with an abstract ribbon.
    Tell us what you think: UWaterloo’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

Past Initiatives

  • Red Zone Awareness: This campaign raised awareness about the increased risk of sexual violence at the start of the academic year, promoting consent culture and providing resources to create a safer campus environment.
  • Take Back the Night: In partnership with the Women’s Centre and URelations, we sent a bus of students to Take Back the Night, empowering participants to stand against gender-based sexual violence and promote a safer community.
  • Safety Walk: Campus tours of sexual violence support services on campus to educate on available supports resources, what they do, and where they can be found.
  • Consent Calendar: The Consent Calendar initiative used daily prompts and art to engage students in conversations about consent, fostering awareness and proactive attitudes to minimize gender-based sexual violence.
In addition to this, we continue to work closely with our community, ensuring ongoing efforts and progress behind the scenes. To learn more about upcoming events, keep an eye on our events page!

 

Education

Further Reading and Resources