Student-Athlete Advisory Committee | 1/6/2016 3:48:00 PM

BURNABY, B.C. –  Simon Fraser Clan student athletes are getting behind the University's #ConsentmattersSFU campaign and the NCAA "It's On Us" promotion to help encourage conversation about consent and inform the community about available sexual assault support services.
 
Launching today is a video featuring Clan student athletes supporting #ConsentmattersSFU. It showcases the shared role of all members of the university community in promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual violence.
 
Throughout January, the SFU community will be asked the question "Why does consent matter to you?" In the video, Clan athletes hold signs such as "A dress is not a yes" and "My Body Is Mine" in order to send the message that consent matters.
 

 
#ConsentmattersSFU is a campus wide initiative supported by the Clan Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
 
"Sexual violence is an issue on university campuses," said Olivia Aguiar, a member of the women's soccer team and vice president of SAAC. "Students can put a stop to it. By bringing attention to the issue and promoting a safe, pro-consent environment on campus, we can reduce the chances of any student falling victim to sexual violence."
 
#ConsentmattersSFU and the NCAA campaign, called It's On Us, aim to move the conversation beyond just the victim and attacker to involve the entire campus community – classmates and professors, teammates and coaches, men and women.
 
"The Athletics Department is often the heart-beat of a college campus because our student athletes are active and visible so I am proud that they have taken a leadership position on such an important issue," said SFU Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation, Theresa Hanson. "It's on all of us to change the culture of tolerance around sexual violence and we are trying to influence our community in a positive way."
 
#ConsentmattersSFU encourages community members to familiarize themselves with the University's sexual assault website www.sfu.ca/sexual-assault which provides information about what to do in the event of a sexual assault, as well as resources and information.
 
"We hope to change the culture around campus sexual violence and promote the importance of consent," said Aguiar.
 
Throughout the month of January, members of the SFU community will have an opportunity to participate in #ConsentmattersSFU  
 
Community members are encouraged to answer the question "why does consent matter to you?" for a chance to win a weekly prize or a $250 pre-paid visa card. Join one of the outreach events from Jan 12-Jan 27 or share your answer on social media using #consentmattersSFU.
 
Tuesday, January 12th, Harbor Center (Main Lobby)
Tuesday, January 19th, Surrey Campus (Mezzanine) – tentative
Wednesday, January 20th, Burnaby Campus (North AQ)
Wednesday, January 27th, Burnaby Campus (North AQ)
 
Visit www.sfu.ca/sexual-assault for details. #consentmattersSFU is one component of a broader sexual violence education and prevention strategy in place or in production at SFU.
 
--@SFUClan--