When someone experiences sexual violence, what happens next matters. 

They deserve to be believed. They deserve care. They deserve to know that seeking support will not lead to even more harm. 

In light of the recent developments of the Cornell 7 case, conversations about sexual violence on campuses have once again brought questions of institutional accountability, survivor support and campus safety to the forefront. While these conversations may be happening across borders, they are not distant from the realities we face here in Canada. 

YWCA Canada condemns sexual violence in all its forms and stands with survivors who come forward to seek safety, support and justice. 

Roughly 71% of students at Canadian post-secondary schools witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a post-secondary setting. 

Behind that statistic are people, friends, colleagues and classmates, who deserve to study, work and live without fear of violence or harassment.  

Safer campuses don’t happen by chance. Institutions have a responsibility not only to help prevent sexual violence but to respond when harm is reported – with transparency, meaningful accountability and accessible, survivor-centred support. Survivors should not have to navigate complex systems alone. 

Learn how you can support trauma-informed conversations, respond with care and advocate for safer campus communities by exploring YWCA Canada’s resources: Ending Gender-Based Violence | YWCA Canada