Sudbury post-secondary students talk about consent
Three post-secondary schools in Sudbury have released a video to raise awareness about the importance of consent.
Students joined with Greater Sudbury Police and Sudbury & Area Victim Services to make and produce the educational video that they hope will help students understand it's OK to say "yes," but it's also OK to say "no" when it comes to sex.
The video was a student-led initiative by students, for students.
"I really do hope this video makes a difference," said Avery Morin, the president of the L.U. Student General Association.
"I think that it is a shame that sexual violence is an underreported crime and it should be talked about more. There is a huge stigma around it and I hope this video can educate."
Students from Laurentian University, College Boreal and Cambrian College took part.
"Consent to me means being safe and having the ability to say 'no,'" said Thomas Breuls, a Cambrian College student.
"Where you don't actually have to feel pressure to say 'yes.'"
In the lead-up to shooting the video, students took part in focus groups asking questions around consent and what it means.
"It is important because you can't exercise consent if you don't know what it means," said Stephanie Harris, who works in the equity, diversity and human rights office at Laurentian University.
"People have a very nuanced understanding of what consent means. So being clear about what it means, telling people exactly what it means just helps them make a better decision in a relationship."
The video was also a collaboration with Greater Sudbury Police and Sudbury and Area Victim Services.
"It really is about individuals respecting each other understanding boundaries making sure you are moving forward together. And then the legality of consent and that you are breaking the law if you don't have consent," said Chief Paul Pedersen, of the Greater Sudbury Police Service.
The video was funded by the Ontario government through the Proceeds of Crime Front-line Policing Grant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.