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Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force
The Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force (GSVTF) is the institutionally recognized leadership team for strategic planning and decision making associated with root causes of – and sustaining efforts to address – gendered and sexual violence.
We collaboratively work towards the elimination of gendered and sexual violence at Laurier – and to support the healing of those who have experienced it – through continuous inclusive dialogue, meaningful and ongoing training initiatives, accessible policies and protocols, community engagement, support services, and campus collaborations.
About the Task Force
The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) Act requires universities to establish a Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force. Laurier reworked its Gendered Violence Take Force (formed in 2014) into the GSVTF in compliance with the MTCU Act.
Laurier’s GSVTF is responsible for:
- Assessing the sufficiency of Laurier’s sexual violence policy.
- Assessing the effectiveness of current programs and services to combat sexual violence on campus.
- Recommending additional steps that Laurier may take to ensure a safe environment for all.
In order for the GSVTF to actualize its goals, it supports and works in collaboration with the GSV Education Action Group, the GSV Response Action Group and the GSV Student Advisory Committee – as well as other key stakeholders, ensuring efforts are goal-oriented, effective and sustainable.
Membership
- Senior Advisor, The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (Co-Chair)
- Sexual Violence Response Coordinator (Co-Chair)
- Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist
- Deans of Students (Waterloo and Brantford Campus)
- Human Resources Representative(s)
- Faculty Members engaged with Gendered and Sexual Violence research
- Representatives from the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Student Representatives
Reports
The GSVTF is required to provide its Board of Governors and the MCTU an annual public report highlighting the activities and actions of the university as well as recommendations for future actions and initiatives with the goal of addressing and eradicating sexual violence on our campus.
View the Gendered and Sexual Violence Annual Report.
Groups and Committees
The mission of the Gendered and Sexual Violence Response Action Group is to support Laurier's efforts to address and eliminate gendered and sexual based violence on campus and beyond by ensuring that Laurier's internal supports and services are responsive, timely, survivor focused, evaluated, and relevant to our dynamic and ever-changing environment.
This group is made up of staff representatives directly involved in supporting students, staff, and faculty impacted by gendered and sexual violence. This group includes persons from the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management, Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Student Centre, Student Affairs, The Student Wellness Centre, Human Resources, the Sexual Assault Support Centre Waterloo Region, and the Sexual Assault Centre Brant.
Chaired by: Sexual Violence Response Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Strategizing ways to clearly identify and communicate institutional and community resources as well as all supports on and off campus.
- Making recommendations for internal service enhancement and changes.
- Identifying gaps in services and bring forward suggestions for addressing those gaps in a timely and transparent manner.
- Actively and regularly engaging in opportunities to seek information that will influence recommendations.
- Thoughtfully and consistently seek input from groups and individuals that may not feel they have a voice in influencing the development of trauma informed supports and services.
- Keeping confidential information that may identify survivors throughout all processes.
The Gendered and Sexual Violence Education Action Group is Laurier’s hub in coordinating and facilitating all gender and sexual violence training, workshops, and programming. This group also offers recommendations on strategies for gendered and sexual violence related education to the GSVTF.
Chaired by: Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist
Members:
- Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management
- Advocates for Student Culture of Consent
- Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
- Sexual Assault Centre of Brant
- Student Wellness Centre (Waterloo and Brantford)
The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) is a passionate body of student leaders dedicated to combatting gendered and sexual violence in the Laurier campus community. We provide recommendations and feedback to the GSVTF to ensure a student perspective in institutional decision-making. As well, SAC oversees the Building a Consent Culture Student Fund. We recognize the intersectional nature of gendered and sexual violence and are committed to creating safer and more accountable spaces for all students on campus.
The Student Advisory Committee is comprised of six to eight members. Each term, two to three student representatives are chosen to attend task force meetings, deliver SAC reports, and contribute to discussion. The Sexual Violence Response Coordinator mentors and provides guidance to the committee.
Building a Consent Culture Student Fund
The fund is provided by the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management out of the Campus Safety Grant to create safe(r), more caring, accountable, and responsive spaces on campus. The fund aims to support projects focused on creating a culture of consent at Laurier. $10,000 has been put aside each year for student-led projects accessed through this funding application process.
This student fund is reviewed and arbitrated by the Student Advisory Committee of the Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force. For more information or questions, contact svinfo@wlu.ca.