McMaster departments work with local non-profit to address gender-based violence

McMaster’s Security Office and department of Athletics and Recreation will continue their partnership with the Interval House of Hamilton (IHOH), with a goal to eliminate gender-based violence on campus.   

Last week, IHOH, a non-profit shelter serving women fleeing relationship violence/abuse, announced new federal funding that will be used to expand community partnerships, with a focus on engaging men, boys and allies in preventative strategies aimed to end gender-based violence.  

“Interval House of Hamilton is thrilled to receive funding in the amount of $264,966 from Women and Gender Equality Canada,” said Nancy Smith, IHOH executive director. “Over the next thirty months, [this funding will support] MentorAction Be More Than a Bystander and Steel City Allies programs, allowing us to extend these important programs to end gender-based violence into more communities.” 

 Shawn Burt, director of McMaster’s department of Athletics and Recreation, says his team and university Security Services have worked with IHOH over the past five years, training athletes and Special Constables in their MentorAction program, Be More Than a Bystander.  

“These sessions are an important part of our ongoing training and dialogue around the role men play in gendered violence” says Burt.  

Glenn DeCaire, director of McMaster parking and security, adds that the IHOH partnership also encourages ongoing learning and conversation outside the MentorAction sessions.  

“By participating in this program, we’re also committing to speaking up and taking an active role to keep everyone safe, within the campus community and beyond,” says DeCaire.   

IHOH’s MentorAction is a growing network of allies working to end gender-based violence by integrating and promoting Be More Than a Bystander in the broader Hamilton community.  

“Community partnerships like this one are important networks to expand, as we work collaboratively across sectors to address gender-based and intimate partner violence” says Arig al Shaibah, associate vice-president, Equity and Inclusion. “McMaster continues to expand its programs and services aimed at engaging men in this cultural change effort.”  

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For more information on IHOH programs,  please visit their website. 

Please visit the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (https://svpro.mcmaster.ca/un-learn/online-modules/) for information on related prevention education programs and response services.