Thank you, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, for speaking truth to power again, and again, and again.
Who is responsible for sexual assault?
By elainealpert on November 6, 2013
Thankfully a male voice of reason. See http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/opinion/whitaker-women-drinking-rape/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 and offer your comments.
Posted in News And Events, newsfeed, Slideshow, Spotlight
UBC Sauder / Commerce Undergraduate Society News of Importance to the UBC Community Nov 4, 2013
By elainealpert on November 4, 2013
These two articles were published today (Nov 4, 2013) in the Vancouver Sun and The Province, respectively.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/commerce+students+reject+hire+assault+counsellor/9119883/story.html
Why do you think Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS) recommended funding this position? Was that the right decision by CUS and Sauder leadership?
Why do you think the CUS student body rejected this recommendation so resoundingly? Are they callous? Misogynistic? Ignorant? Boorish? Or perhaps do they think this is a larger university issue that should not single out CUS to pay for what they consider to be a larger issue?
Does the fact that CUS leaders organized and led the infamous Frosh Week rape chant and also the equally offensive “Pochahontas” chant affect your view on whether Sauder or CUS should be punished by being “asked” to fund a sexual assault consellor? Should this be considered “punishment”?
What if the resolution was to fund someone to do prevention education instead of survivor support? How does that affect your opinion, and might that be more “palatable” for CUS to approve?
And most importantly, given the prevalence of sexual assault in society as well as on campus (not just the string of stranger sexual assaults perpetrated most probably by a single predator, but also the much larger issues of non-consensual sexual contact in acquaintance, dating and employment relationships, and the mental health aftermath that students victimized as children have to deal with), what kinds of integrated policies, procedures, services and responses are most appropriate for the UBC community at-large? And how might students, staff, faculty and others in the UBC community work together to achieve meaningful change?
Where to from here?
Posted in News And Events, newsfeed, Slideshow, Spotlight
First of its kind: New York State Specialized Courts to Treat Most Sex Workers as Crime Victims, Not Criminals
By elainealpert on September 25, 2013
Just published in both the NY Times and on NBCnews.com.
From the NY Times story: “Mr. Banks, of the Legal Aid Society, said in an interview that the new system was ‘an extremely important step forward nationally’ to set up courts where people accused of prostitution and prostitution-related offenses can be connected to programs that offer what he called “a pathway to change.”
Do you think the province of BC or other jurisdictions within Canada should pursue a similar path? What are your thoughts?
Read articles using the links below:
Posted in News And Events, Slideshow, Spotlight
Military Sexual Slavery – Necessary??????
By elainealpert on May 14, 2013
What does this article say about entrenched attitudes and about the intersections of violence, violence prevention, human rights, armed conflict and human rights? Should Canada respond, and if so, how?
International Women’s Day – Let’s Celebrate!
By cheemar on March 8, 2013
Today marks the 102nd year of International Women’s Day. Below are links to articles and posts about gender geography, inspirational women,and ending violence against women . Please set aside some time today to acknowledge and celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the necessary changes still need for gender equality.
Don’t forget the key theme this year – Ending Violence Against Women!
Article 2: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21717434
Posted in News And Events, newsfeed, Slideshow, Spotlight
South Africa should follow India in acting to end violence against women
By cheemar on February 27, 2013
India has been commended for acting quickly in protesting and advocating for an end to violence against women. The article below suggests that South Africa should follow India in their approach and grassroots efforts. What are your thoughts?
3 girls found dead in India well; mother calls for culprits to be hanged
By cheemar on February 27, 2013
Three sisters were found dead on February 16, 2013 in a well in India. The mother of these girls is speaking out and has called for those responsible to be caught and publicly hanged. The three girls — aged 6, 9, and 11 — were allegedly raped. The past few months have highlighted the growing concern of sexual assaults in India and human rights violations against women. The articles below showcase the anger and disgust of women in India regarding these attacks and the new sexual assault law.
Article 1: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/21/world/asia/india-girls-deaths/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2
One Billion Rising
By cheemar on February 9, 2013
One In Three Women On The Planet Will Be Raped Or Beaten In Her Lifetime.
One Billion Women Violated Is An Atrocity.
One Billion Women Dancing Is A Revolution.
Join V-Day on
02.14.13
STRIKE, DANCE, RISE
in your community &
Demand an
end to violence
Join the One Billion Rising campaign today!
Website: http://www.onebillionrising.org
New Delhi police fire water cannon at India rape protest
By cheemar on December 28, 2012
For the past few weeks, news headlines have highlighted the frustration Indian nationals are feeling with regards to the increase in rape cases over the years as well as the manner in which police are handling these cases. Protests and outrage have been prompted over the gang-rape and beating of a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in New Delhi. The articles posted reflect the reoccurring themes of safety and community. A 17-year-old Indian girl who was allegedly gang-raped has also committed suicide and there have been allegations that the police officers investigating her case had pressured her to drop her complaint and marry one of her attackers. One can help but not think what position a victim is placed in when the symbol of safety (police) is non-existent. Please take the time to read these articles and reflect on the safety of your community and what your role can be in helping your own community become a safer place.
Article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/22/world/asia/india-rape-protest/index.html?hpt=hp_t4
Article 2: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/india-gang-rape-teenage-victim-1508902