Campus News

Lethbridge College is inviting the public to join a conversation about sexual violence and healthy relationships, as part of a series of events this month to raise awareness. 

Harmoni Jones, acting manager of Lethbridge College’s Health and Shepell Counselling Services, says talking about sexual violence is part of understanding the trauma that occurs, the impact on individuals, families and communities and the role each of us can play in prevention and support. 

“There has been so much in the media recently about sexual violence, the impact on those who’ve experienced it, and the need for supports,” Jones says. “But violence is part of a continuum that begins with our understanding of consent and respect and knowing how to foster healthy relationships.” 

Lethbridge College students, staff and the public will have an opportunity to connect with supports on campus and in the community during a Healthy Relationships Resource Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in Centre Core. Representatives from 11 Lethbridge College and community services that work to support healthy relationships or individuals or families who have experienced violence will be represented at the fair. 

The public is also invited to attend a showing of The Hunting Ground, a powerful 2015 documentary about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses in the U.S. and how a group of women championed changes in the way post-secondary institutions support individuals who experience sexual violence. The documentary airs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the E.C. Fredericks Theatre (CE1365). Following the documentary, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., an expert panel with representatives from Lethbridge College, the Domestic Violence Action Team and the YWCA Lethbridge Amethyst Project will take questions. 

There is no charge to attend these events.  

As part of the awareness week, students and staff can also contribute to a graffiti wall set up in Centre Core to share the changes they’ve seen as a result of the #MeToo and #IBelieveYou movements. The theme of the wall is #NowWhat. 

LISTEN: Harmoni Jones, acting manager of Lethbridge College’s Health and Shepell Counselling Services: