Campus discusses violence

Posted: October 31, 2014 4:14 p.m.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jackson Katz believes men need to do more to confront abusive peers.
Keynote speaker Dr. Jackson Katz believes men need to do more to confront abusive peers. Photo: U of R Photography

As part of the Man Up Against Violence initiative two major presentations were held during a week-long series of events.

Dr. Shauneen Pete and Dr. Michael Cappello of the Faculty of Education addressed the connection between stereotypical representations and violence directed toward First Nations girls and women during an event on October 30.

Later that day keynote speaker Dr. Jackson Katz, an educator and author on violence spoke about men’s role in ending violence against women. He believes men can be empowered bystanders who confront abusive peers.

The rate of violence against women in Saskatchewan is almost double the national average. Saskatchewan leads the country in such categories as family violence, dating violence and child and youth violent victimization rate. Saskatchewan also has the highest rates of intimate partner violence and sexual offences, and in rates of violence against girls and female teenagers.  

The week's events were supported by the President's Office, First Nations University of Canada, U of R KHS Student Society, the U of R Women's Centre, the Aboriginal Student Centre and many Faculties. This is in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services, Status of Women Office, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Parks, Culture, and Sport.