IT TAKES ALL OF US
Mandatory Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Training
Why awareness and training matter
We have created mandatory sexual violence awareness and prevention training in our ongoing efforts to foster a safe and respectful environment at Concordia.
Sexual violence awareness and prevention training is fundamental in creating a safe and supportive working and learning environment at Concordia and is a legal requirement as outlined by Bill 151.
Mandatory requirements
Students must complete the online introductory module or in-person training during their first semster at Concordia. (Either format fulfills the mandatory requirement).
Staff/Faculty must complete the online introductory module or in-person training, when first hired. (Either format fulfills the mandatory requirement).
Staff/faculty annual requirement
To meet the annual training requirement, staff/faculty may choose one of three online modules or opt for in-person training. We encourage staff to expand their knowledge by joining in-person training or choosing a different online module in subsequent years.
Deadline to complete winter 2024 training: February 20, 2024
Three online training modules
1) Introductory module
The training in this first module is preventive in nature and explores the basics of sexual violence. A definition and examples of sexual violence is offered along with information and tools regarding consent, bystander intervention, and supporting survivors. Throughout the module, participants will engage with various scenarios. Finally, information on our policies and processes as well as internal and community resources is offered.
2) Systems of Oppression and Intersectionality module
This second training module focuses on a root cause of sexual violence, systemic power and intersectionality. These concepts are presented to participants using a tool called the Anti-Oppression tree followed by various scenarios, allowing for deep exploration of the topic.
3) Recognizing Attitudes, Changing Behaviours module
Throughout many aspects of society, there exists examples of attitudes and behaviours which encourage, minimize, or trivialize sexual violence, while being labeled normal or “not serious.” This concept is commonly referred to as “rape culture” and, gone unchallenged, this normalization leads to the acceptance of, and apathy towards, various forms of sexual violence. In this module, participants will gain understanding of this normalization process, discuss the impact it has on society, and practice how to intervene in behaviours using scenarios.
In-person training
New and in-person workshops are available for faculty, staff and students.
Depending on your level of training, participation in one of these workshops will fulfill the mandatory requirement for the 2023-2024 academic year. Contact mandatory-training@concordia.ca for more information.
In-person workshop content warning
The in-person workshops require active participation, including discussion with other participants. While the facilitator of each session will do their best to create a safe space for respectful discussion, they cannot guarantee other participants will not use triggering or problematic language. These sessions make use of Zoom breakout rooms which may not have a facilitator present, thereby increasing the risk of encountering triggering or problematic language from others. If you think this kind of situation is unsuitable for you to learn, we encourage you to use the online module. If neither of these options is suitable for you, please get in touch with the Sexual Assault Resource Centre to discuss accommodations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- It takes all of us – safety and respect are community-wide responsibilities.
- Sexual violence awareness and prevention training is a legal requirement as outlined by Bill 151. As a result, it is the responsibility of everyone in the community to complete the training.
The content of the sexual violence awareness and prevention training is preventive in nature and focuses on:
- Consent;
- Bystander intervention;
- Supporting survivors; and
- Information on our policies and processes.
New modules for returning staff/ faculty focuses on:
- Systems of Oppression and Intersectionality
- Recognizing Attitudes and Changing Behaviours
All new students (whether undergraduate or graduate) must complete this mandatory training by October 16, 2023.
All faculty and staff members must complete this mandatory training by October 16, 2023.
- The Introductory Module takes between 45 and 60 minutes to complete.
- The additional module on Systems of Oppression and Intersectionality takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
- The in-person virtual group training offered by the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) takes 1.5 hours. Space is limited and registration is required.
- Sexual violence awareness and prevention training is a legal requirement as outlined by Bill 151. As a result, all Concordia faculty, staff and students must complete the training.
- Cases of faculty and staff who do not comply with this mandatory requirement will be addressed through the respective collective or employment agreement or policy.
- Students – whether new or returning, undergraduate or graduate – who have not completed the training by the deadline will have a block placed on their student account that will prevent registration for future semesters unless the training is completed.
- If you have not received confirmation by email and/or wish to check your status, you can access the status of the "It Takes All of Us" training online.
- The training is a legal requirement that is not optional but we understand this can also be a sensitive topic that can impact people in different ways.
- Questions and concerns can be sent to mandatory-training@concordia.ca
- Those seeking in-person support are encouraged to reach out to the Sexual Assault Resource Centre by calling the SARC Service Assistant at 514-848-2424 ext. 5972.
- Within the online version of the training, the “I’m feeling overwhelmed” button is there for people who are experiencing distress because of the content of the training.
- Once the button is clicked, information regarding immediate support will pop up.
- The button allows the viewer to exit the part they are finding distressing and to move ahead to the next section.
- The expectation remains that the training be completed by the deadline.Those who continue to experience significant distress are encouraged to reach out to the Sexual Assault Resource Centre so that they can go over the training content in a one-on-one setting.
Those experiencing technical issues in completing the online version of the training should contact Concordia’s IITS help desk.
- No, there are two different training modules: one for students and another for employees.
- All students (including those who work at Concordia as research assistants and teaching assistants, as well as students hired to work on time sheets or short term contracts) are required to do the student module.
- NOTE: Faculty and staff will need to take the training every year, while students only need to take it once during the course of their studies.
- Faculty and/or staff members who were on leave will be obliged to take the training when they return.
- Note that faculty members who are on sabbatical leave are still required to do the training while on sabbatical.
- Please send all questions or concerns to mandatory-training@concordia.ca. In order to ensure timely and effective responses, please include your student and employee Netnames in all communications.
- As required by Concordia policy and in compliance with Bill 151, all staff and faculty are required to do training each year. Efforts are made to release a new module on a regular basis which explores a new topic related to sexual violence. Everyone is encouraged to do the new module, however you may re-take the introduction module if you prefer. You are also welcome to take or re-take any module at any time throughout the year, as you wish.
- Yes, as a student employee you play an integral role in upholding the University's committment to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment. That's why it's imperative for you to read and understand this additional information for student employees at Concordia University.
Any questions not answered by the FAQ should be sent to mandatory-training@concordia.ca