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District observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Surrey Schools is joining districts across the country to participate in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign that calls for an end to violence on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.

For the past 31 years, the campaign has begun on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ended on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls!

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is highlighting the important role of K-12 teachers, staff, administrators, trustees and advocates in creating systemic change to reduce violence. The government has provided a number of resources to help teachers build a culture of consent in their classrooms and schools:

  • The B.C. government’s Supporting Student Health guides (Elementary and Secondary) have been significantly expanded to include more content related to consent and gender-based violence. These guides provide background information and teaching suggestions to help teachers feel more confident and comfortable addressing these situations with their students.
  • Further enhancements have been made to the physical and health education curriculum to provide teachers with additional guidance on how to integrate these topics into their classrooms.
  • The erase website has expanded to include dedicated resources on consent and gender-based violence to prevent and respond to different forms of gender-based abuse.

Research from Statistics Canada has indicated that one-third of Canadian children under 15 have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse. The impact of this childhood trauma has far-reaching effects, with survivors of abuse being more likely to have long-term physical and mental health needs and are more likely to have alcohol or drug disorders.

Surrey Schools is committed to its ongoing efforts to increase awareness and education to prevent incidents of gender-based violence.

For more information on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, click here.

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