Fanshawe College’s Sexual Violence Prevention team and the Fanshawe Student Union organized a walkout in light of the threats of sexual violence made last week. Within 48-hours, around 200 students gathered on Merlin Hill at Fanshawe to stand together against sexual violence and gender-based violence on September 20th.
“Survivors face a lot of stigma and a lot of barriers to accessing support,” says Leah Marshall, Fanshawe’s Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor.
“It’s important to know that sexual violence is not about sex, it’s about power and control. We need to put the power and control back in the hands of survivors so they can make the decisions that are best for them moving forward.”
Amy Simon/ XFM News
The walkout comes after online threats were made alleging plans to tamper with drinks at Fanshawe’s Oasis Residence and the Out Back Shack.
This protest comes on the heels of a massive walkout at Western University that saw thousands of students displeased with the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations after 30 female students were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted on campus during orientation week.
These protests and walkouts brought Londoners together in support of survivors and those affected by sexual violence. That support was also shared across social media.
"Today was a difficult but important day to honour survivors, hear their stories and hold conversations about gender-based and sexual violence." 1/3https://t.co/IaWct5y8EC
— Western University (@WesternU) September 17, 2021
"We will continue to listen to our students and be guided by their needs as we work towards a better campus culture so that all students – present and future – have a community they can trust." 3/3
– Alan Shepard, President & Vice-Chancellor, on today's student walkout
— Western University (@WesternU) September 17, 2021
An unbelievable turnout today at Western University in London, Ontario where literally THOUSANDS of students walked out to protest against sexual violence against women on campus. Organizers are saying Western needs to do more to protect its students. pic.twitter.com/PuCjB3lQ3G
— ~ Enzo ~
(@GlobalEnzo) September 17, 2021
As alumni – and as an ally – I stand in solidarity with the staff, students, and allies demanding change at Western University.
I send you strength and solidarity in demanding justice.
We must do better. https://t.co/3xe9cnEXhv
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) September 17, 2021
Standing in solidarity with Western University students speaking out against sexual violence, and those planning to walk out demanding action.
Perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence must be held to account.
Women and girls have a right to feel and be safe on campus.
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) September 15, 2021
Never witnessed this massive oupouring of student support to #EndGBV and call for student safety. This is leadership.#ProtectOurStudents #LdnOnt #BelieveSurvivors #MakeCampusSafe #WesternUniversity #WeDeservetoFeelSafe pic.twitter.com/hLPNkgfZWr
— Terence Kernaghan NDP (@kernaghant) September 17, 2021
While support and solidarity continues to be displayed for survivors of sexual violence, many are left not only frustrated and angry, but afraid.
**TRIGGER WARNING**
Spent the day at Western University. I’ve lost hope for the day men see women as human and not objects of their sexual desire. I spoke to many female students who are terrified and no longer want to celebrate their 1st year out of fear of being drugged and/or sexually assaulted.
— Danica Samuel (@DanicaSamuel) September 15, 2021
It was before midnight on Friday when we saw people start to drop like flies. Before midnight when we saw ambulances rush to three separate girls in less than a 100m radius. The rumours about people being drugged started circulating immediately. Sophs reported this early. 2/10
— kat (@katrinaxdj) September 15, 2021
In the hours between 12 & 3, in one tiny corner of campus, sophs helped with 6 crisis situations involving incapacitated first year students. And those were only the events I was there for. I’ve heard of countless other horrifying stories from sophs across campus that night 4/10
— kat (@katrinaxdj) September 15, 2021
Sophs were the ones to try to calm his friend who was still in shock. They consoled two girls who stopped to help and were still covered in blood. We notified admin and begged for more resources for them we were told that the situation was “off campus” 6/10
— kat (@katrinaxdj) September 15, 2021
Sure, the resource links came the next day. The USC has heard us out. Some of us were given time off school. But the trauma that so many sophs and first years are facing is unspeakable. My heart breaks for every single person who no longer feels safe here. I know I don’t. 8/10
— kat (@katrinaxdj) September 15, 2021
This weekend’s events have been completely life altering for people. The anger, shame, guilt, devastation, and grief are palpable around campus. Nothing about this can ever be swept under the rug. I hope @WesternU is ready to take action because I know the students are. 10/10
— kat (@katrinaxdj) September 15, 2021
Our new action plan will increase safety and security on campus by hiring new special constables, enhancing security patrols, and implementing mandatory in-person sexual violence training for all students in residence. https://t.co/eC7uQIycLG
— Western University (@WesternU) September 16, 2021
Marshall says that she wants “any students that have experienced sexual violence prior to coming to Fanshawe or when you’re a student with us to know that the support that I provide is really partnering with you to decide what you do moving forward, and you get to decide what that looks like.”
“Every survivor heals differently.”
Amy Simon/ XFM News
To confidentially review your options, please contact
Fanshawe College:
Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor Leah Marshall
Email: lkmarshall@fanshawec.ca
Western University:
Gender-based Violence & Survivor Support Case Manager Tamara Will
Phone #: (519) 661 – 3568
Email: support@uwo.ca.
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