UCalgary renews support for #IBelieveYou campaign

I believe you. Three simple words with a profound impact — especially for someone disclosing an act of sexual violence.

Led by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) and the Government of Alberta Ministry of Human Services, #IBelieveYou is an ambitious public awareness initiative that encourages supportive responses to disclosures of sexual violence.

The University of Calgary is proud to support the #IBelieveYou campaign for another year as we work alongside post-secondary institutions and organizations across our province to cultivate a culture of believing.

#IBelieveYou campaign met with overwhelming support on campus

With the explosion of conversation surrounding sexual violence brought on by movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up, this year’s campaign theme is I Believe You… Now What?, provoking conversations about strategies for sexual violence prevention, support and education.

To bring the conversation to campus, UCalgary produced three videos with thought leaders answering questions about the future of sexual violence awareness and prevention. Videos feature Carla Bertsch, UCalgary’s sexual violence support advocate, Dean Richard Sigurdson from the Faculty of Arts, and Shannon Hawthorne, president of the Consent Awareness and Sexual Education club on campus. 

Throughout September, UCalgary was also joined by Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) to bring positive messages, support, education and awareness about sexual violence to our community.

With the help of volunteers operating booths, more than 400 members of our campus participated in the campaign, adding messages of support and solidarity to the #IBelieveYou graffiti wall.

In addition to sharing the important vision of #IBelieveYou, Bertsch also shared sexual violence support resources, reminding our community of the supports available to anyone affected by sexual violence.

#IBelieveYou campaign extends into 2019

As this is the fourth and final year of the #IBelieveYou campaign, this year’s activities will extend into early 2019.

Community members interested in supporting the #IBelieveYou campaign are invited to join the conversation — post positive messages of support or videos on social media using #IBelieveYou and follow the province-wide conversation online.

If you think you have experienced sexual violence, or know someone who has, visit the Sexual Violence Support website for campus and community resources. To arrange a confidential consultation with the sexual violence support advocate, contact Carla Bertsch by confidential email.