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 from any of the available 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.
All staff, students and faculty: Deadline October 19, 2026
Online training modules
1) Introductory module
Through four different sections, this module brings essential visibility and awareness about sexual violence to our community with the objective of building a culture of safety and respect.
The first section explores the definition of sexual violence, provides a preliminary explanation of root causes and challenges preconceived ideas about sexual violence and impacts on survivors. Section two defines sexual consent and important details about healthy relationships. In the final two sections, participants learn about bystander intervention techniques as well as foundational, trauma-informed principles related to supporting survivors through a disclosure.
2) Systems of Oppression and Intersectionality module
This training module explores intersectional power dynamics as a root cause of sexual violence. Using a tool called the “Anti-Oppression tree”, participants learn about how intersecting systems of oppression such as sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism aid in understanding the lived experiences of survivors living within these systems of oppression. Using scenarios depicting various intersections, participants explore these dynamics to further strengthen understanding through experiential learning.
3) Recognizing Attitudes, Changing Behaviours module
This module focuses on another root cause of sexual violence, a concept called “rape culture” – a term which describes normalized attitudes and behaviours that encourage, minimize, or trivialize sexual violence. Using a pyramid model, participants learn about these attitudes and behaviours, gain understanding of the normalization process and impacts on society, while using scenarios to further explore these concepts and practice potential intervention tactics.
4) Sexual Violence Complaints Process module
This new module takes participants on a virtual journey to explore the processes, policies, and support available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence at Concordia. It provides important information about the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC), the Office of Rights and Responsibilities (ORR), and Campus Safety and Prevention Services (CSPS) and the roles these offices play in the complaint process. In addition, participants will learn about the support available to complainants, such as advocacy assistance, interim safety measures, trauma-informed counseling, and referrals. Learners will explore all aspects of the complaint process using comprehensive scenarios that depict the realities of students, staff, and faculty.
5) Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence
This module focuses on Technology Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV), an increasingly pertinent topic in our online world. Participants are introduced to a definition of TFSV and a brief overview of the various forms. Using case studies and an intersectional lens, the myriad impacts of this violence are explored, along with the Canadian legal landscape surrounding the topic and useful tools for being an active bystander. Finally, to promote equal digital citizenship, the module offers resources for support that survivors can engage with both on- and off-campus.
In-person training
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 yearly mandatory requirement. 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
- Sexual Violence Complaint Processes
All new students must complete this mandatory as soon as possible; the deadline is noted above
All newly hired faculty and staff must complete this mandatory training within 6 weeks of their hire date.
All staff and faculty must complete this mandatory training before the deadline noted above.
- The Introductory Module takes between 45 and 60 minutes to complete.
- The additional module(s) takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
- In person workshops take approximately 2 hours. Space is limited and registration is required. More information, including registration, is available in the “In-Person training” section above.
- 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, including faculty sabbatical, will be obliged to take the training when they return.
- 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