Creating a community of care at UCalgary: Updated sexual and gender-based violence policy

At the University of Calgary, building a safer, more respectful campus is a shared responsibility, and one that’s being reaffirmed through the university’s newly updated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Policy, which took effect on July 1. 

The SGBV Policy is reviewed every three years to ensure UCalgary addresses sexual and gender-based violence through education, support and systemic change.

“Embedding our response into policy really shows the university’s commitment to safety and inclusion,” says Paula Russel, BA’12, BSW’23, interim manager of SGBV Prevention and Response. 

“Nothing is too big or too small for someone to come and access support ... we want you to feel like you’re in the driver’s seat.”

Policy grounded in community and care

This latest update aims to:

• Simplify the processes for disclosure and formal reporting through the Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office
• Increase awareness of available supports
• Promote a culture of consent, respect and safety
• Provide clear guidance on how the university responds to disclosures and reports

The policy applies to all members of the UCalgary community and acknowledges the complex, intersectional nature of sexual and gender-based violence. It recognizes that experiences of violence can be compounded by factors such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and power imbalances within institutional structures.

Education as prevention

A key component of the university’s approach is education. The SGBV Prevention and Support Office offers training and resources to help the campus community understand how to respond to disclosures and support survivors.

“Education and training are essential,” said Meg Martin, BA’13, MC’16, senior director of Student Wellness, Access & Support.

“The myth that sexual violence is something done by people who are not members of our community — that it couldn’t possibly be people we know, love, trust or work with — creates barriers to reporting and cuts us off from opportunities to have good conversations as a community.”

Russel shared a similar sentiment saying, “All myths about sexual and gender-based violence are harmful. They create silence around the issue and conditions where someone might not want to come forward. You are worthy of support regardless of your experience”

Everyone has a role

The updated policy is part of a larger cultural shift and strategy to foster a culture of care at UCalgary. The university is encouraging every member of its community to take an active role in prevention and care.

“There are so many different ways that we can make a positive impact in terms of preventing sexual and gender-based violence,” says Martin. 

“The way we regard people, treat or respect their bodies and space, and conduct our personal relationships, we could do a lot of small things to make a meaningful impact on creating a society or an environment that does not tolerate behaviours that lead to violence.”

Russel says it shows that policy is at the heart of it all, but it’s not the only thing. Each piece works together from the services we offer to the kind of community we want to create.

By encouraging participation in training and making support more accessible, the university hopes to empower its community to take an active role in prevention and response.

For more information on the policy, how to report an incident or how to support someone who discloses, visit the SGBV Prevention and Support Office website.