As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our university community, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Options Navigation Network (ONN), a new U of A network that provides comprehensive support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The ONN is composed of university units trained to assist survivors in exploring and understanding the options available to them within our institution. This new network is available to students, faculty and staff of the university.
The ONN takes a survivor-driven and intersectional approach to its mission. Units within the network receive comprehensive training to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence. The core objective is to provide the necessary information to help survivors understand and exercise their choices, thereby empowering them to regain control over their lives and build resilience.
The services offered by Options Navigators are multifaceted and sensitive to the unique needs of each individual. Here's a glimpse into what Options Navigators do:
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- Help survivors identify the barriers preventing them from participating fully in university life: ONN staff members offer a safe space where survivors can seek to understand their options without having to provide details about their experience or commit to any particular option. This first step is crucial in building trust and understanding the survivor's needs.
- Use Support and Empathy: Survivors disclosing sexual and gender-based violence incidents are met with empathy and compassion, to assist survivors in feeling heard and valued.
- Act as a Bridge: Options Navigators serve as a vital bridge between survivors and the University units, people and services that can help remove the barriers to their full participation in university life. Their role is to facilitate a seamless connection between survivors and the resources they need.
The options available to survivors within the university are diverse and the ONN helps identify those that might meet their individual needs. These options encompass emotional, personal, safety and therapeutic support, access to modifications or interim measures, making a formal complaint under University policy and other needs-based choices. The ONN is designed to remove the additional burden on survivors by working collaboratively with them to identify and explore the specific options that best align with their unique circumstances.
Sexual and gender-based violence survey
Following the Government of Alberta's report on sexual and gender-based violence in Alberta’s post-secondary education, we are sharing the findings specific to the U of A community. We invite you to explore the survey findings here.
Overall, the survey’s findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual and gender-based violence through education, support services–such as the Options Navigation Network–and a focus on changing attitudes and behaviors to create a safer environment on campus.
While the university has made important progress in recent years, the report highlights that we can do more to address sexual and gender-based violence. From the appointment of the Sexual Violence Response Coordinator (SVRC), the updates to the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy, the release of the new Foundations of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence eClass, and the upcoming role-specific training for those involved in campus disclosures, there is much to celebrate.
While it is essential to acknowledge the progress made by the University in recent years, it is equally crucial to recognize that there is more work to be done. Providing support to survivors is a collective effort. Working together as a community we continue to push towards our goal of campuses that are free from sexual violence.
Verna Yiu,
Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Carrie Smith,
Vice-Provost (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)