Gender-based and sexual violence response and prevention programs at McMaster are being reconfigured within the Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO).

“These are vital programs,” said Barrington Walker, the vice-provost, Equity and Inclusion. “I know there have been some concerns raised about access to programs and supports as we realign our office. Our commitment has not changed and all of the services we have provided in the past continue to be available.” 

Job postings for two new full-time roles will be available later this week, including a new associate director of sexual violence prevention and a coordinator, sexual violence prevention to work along with the case manager. The number of employees supporting this work is not being reduced and Patricia Suleiman, senior director of Human Rights and Accessibility, will now oversee these roles and the work of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO). 

In addition to these roles, the work of the SVPRO will be amplified by a new Student Ambassador program with two student roles currently being advertised.  “These roles mean we will have a more consistent way of providing information and training to groups across campus,” said Walker.  “They will also provide students with quality paid internship roles that will help them build their experience and careers while helping support outreach to students.” 

The work of the SVPRO will be focused on education, training, consultation, and gender-based and sexual violence prevention for all McMaster community members. Formal complaints under the Sexual Violence policy will be handled by the university’s Human Rights and Dispute Resolution team and other intake offices.   

Further supports for survivors of gender-based and sexual violence will also continue to be provided. Counsellors who are equipped to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual violence will also continue to be available through the Student Wellness Centre. This network of support is enhanced by EIO’s work with more than 30 external partners, including the Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton (SACHA). 

“We will continue to work with SACHA to provide a variety of training programs on campus,” said Walker. We are looking to expand these offerings to include more resources for intimate partner violence programming for faculty and staff as well as the range of programs that have been offered to students.” 

Training on campus is continuing this term, with the Faculty of Health Sciences Postgraduate Medical Education receiving training earlier this month. Support activities are planned for the Graduate Students Association Annual Cultural Heritage Event and the Employee Experience Fair at McMaster’s 2025 Inspiring from Within Conference next week and in Kinesiology and the DeGroote School of Business in March.    

“The funding for McMaster’s approach to gender-based and sexual violence prevention and response has been maintained. We are fortunate to have such a range of subject matter experts in EIO, other parts of the university, and through our community partnerships to support our McMaster community and advance inclusive excellence,” said Suleiman. 

The EIO continues to contact student groups and other key consulted groups, including McMaster faculty and staff, to discuss concerns that have been raised. The EIO supports all McMaster community members and encourages folks to contact them directly to share concerns or receive resources for support, training, education, and guidance under the Discrimination & Harassment Policy, Sexual Violence Policy, and Accessibility Policy.  

Anyone who needs support from the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office can access their services in the usual ways: Through the website, the Sexual Violence Response Case Manager, or the office in University Hall.