Awareness to Action: Sexual Violence Prevention through Education
You would not walk across a 10-lane highway with your eyes closed, so why would you walk through your workplace with your eyes closed to the key drivers of sexual violence (SV) that are most common in Saskatchewan? Has your workplace already had a psychological injury or a notice of contravention, and it left you wondering, “What do I do now?”
According to sections 3-21 and 3-21.1 of the Saskatchewan Employment Act 2013, the employer has a duty to provide separate violence and harassment policies, a prevention plan, and a strategy to investigate incidents of this nature. The first step to effective change is to ensure that those creating your prevention plan and investigation strategy are trained in root cause awareness of hazards and the risks posed to your workplace.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence includes sexual assault and harassment about a person’s sexuality, gender identity or expression. Sexual violence can be physical, verbal, or psychological. In addition to touching someone else without consent, attempts and threats are also acts of sexual violence (SV).
A recent analysis of SV trends in Saskatchewan has identified many societal, cultural, and systemic factors contributing to one of Canada’s highest rates at 104 incidents per 100,000 people. The physical, mental, and socioeconomic toll of SV is a widespread social issue with little government support that impacts women, children, and men and is most often perpetrated by family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
➡️ Click here to access related resources
➡️ PDF Resource – Understanding Drivers of Sexual Violence in Saskatchewan
How Can We Help?
At Service Hospitality, we build your team’s capacity to address the key drivers of SV and take preventative steps before it leaves a permanent stain on your workers and company. Service Hospitality, in partnership with Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS), offers an online, self-paced program to educate participants on identifying key drivers of SV and their role in creating a harassment-free workplace culture. Register today for Creating Harassment-Free Workplaces in Community Service and Hospitality.
For assistance, or if you have questions or comments, please Get in Touch with Service Hospitality.
