Sexual violence is a widespread issue across Canada, including in our community. Sexual violence involves coercing an individual into unwanted sexual activity without their consent. The coercion can involve physical force, intimidation, threats, or blackmail. Although males experience sexual violence, the majority of sexual violence victims are female. One in three Canadian women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime.
Sexual violence is rooted in toxic attitudes and behaviours stemming from sexism, misogyny, and hypermasculinity and is reinforced by rape culture. Eradicating sexual violence requires changing attitudes and behaviours and creating a consent culture. Educators have a pivotal role in providing the foundation for these changes as the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to sexual violence develop at an early age. Although it is important to educate all students about sexual violence including the risks and ways to prevent it, it is imperative that we focus on the attitudes and behaviours of boys and men as most violence against women and girls is committed by males.
Draw the Line was developed by White Ribbon (the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity) in collaboration with Ontario educators and the Ministry of Education. The Draw the Line resources teach students about healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and sexual violence prevention. The resources also highlight the importance of bystander intervention to address and prevent gender-based violence including sexual violence.
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