Bulletin
Supporting your mental health while standing together against gender-based violence
October 16, 2026
To: All MoveUP members
On Behalf of the Women and Gender Rights Committee,
Over the last few weeks, whether it’s been on the news on our social media, the story of the sexual violence involving fraternity members at Cornell University have dominated headlines.
In the aftermath of the revelation, many people taken to sharing their stories of survival and reclaiming their strength through that process.
We know, however, for anyone who has experienced gender-based violence or been affected by sexual violence, that hearing some of these stories can bring back painful memories, invoke feelings of anger and fear, as well as other physical and emotional reactions.
It’s important to remember that if you are feeling triggered, you have permission to step away.
Our Women & Gender Rights Committee wants you to know you are not alone.
Sadly, most of us can identify as a “Jane Doe” in some way – the codename used to refer to a survivor of gender-based violence or sexual violence.
For those of us who are Jane Doe, or having supported a Jane Doe or hearing someone we know was a Jane Doe, we recognize that everyone processes these stories in their own unique way.
Our members have told us about the traumatizing effects hearing the Cornell story, or other similar stories, has had on them, and we felt it was important to reach out to everyone, so you know you are not alone.
It is important protect your mental health. You do not need to read every article, follow every update or watch the newest video that pops up on your feeds. At times like this, consider a social media break, mute keywords, or connect with someone you trust to help feel safe and grounded.
If you need support, please contact any of these services:
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
Provides support to survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse, including a 24/7 crisis line in the Lower Mainland.
Call their 24-hour line at 604-255-6344 or 1-877-392-7583
VictimLinkBC – call or text 1-800-563-0808
24/7 Confidential support for people affected by family or sexual violence. Support is available in multiple languages.
Provides immediate emotional support and crisis intervention to Indigenous Peoples 24/7 across Canada.
Call 1-855-242-3310 or Chat Online
Consent must be voluntary, informed and ongoing
This week, our Women & Gender Rights Committee has been gathering for a week of activism and discussion. The topic of consent has repeatedly come up. We want everyone to remember that sexual assault is never the fault of the person who experiences it.
Being intoxicated, under the influence of substances, knowing the perpetrator(s), previously consenting to sexual activity or changing your mind at any time does not remove your right to consent.
If you have experienced sexual violence, we believe you and we will support you. You deserve access to care, safety and justice,
As union members it is our duty to ensure our workplaces and events are places where our members feel safe. Our spaces should allow members to feel safe to speak, seek support, and be heard without judgement.
Our committee thanks our members who came to us, shared their stories and experiences, and asked that we share these resources for others who may not know where to turn.
We encourage everyone to:
- Check in on colleagues who may be struggling.
- Look for changes in behaviours, personalities or mood.
- Listen without judgement or pressure.
- See something, say something!
- Challenge victim shaming, or victim blaming, and rape myths when you encounter them.
- Take care of yourself when news coverage becomes overwhelming.
In solidarity,
MoveUP’s Women & Gender Rights Committee