Hello Friend,
Consent 101
Summer is officially in full swing! The warmer weather and sunshine mean we’re all shedding those layers of clothing we’ve accumulated over the long winter. All summer long, we will see people wearing less clothing; shorts instead of pants, bathing suits to the beach, open-toed shoes. With that, we wanted to discuss the piece of sexist behaviours that can occur over this time such as hyper-sexualization of women’s bodies as well as consent. It’s an important reminder that a woman’s clothing or appearance is not an invitation for inappropriate behaviours.
In Canada, 1 in 3 women will experience sexual assault at some point; it is one of the most common offences committed toward women. It is also one of the most underreported crimes, as a result of biases in the justice system and society that don’t favour the rights of women. Although horribly common, sexual assault causes many mental and physical health problems- some that could last a lifetime. The most affected groups are young women, under the age of 24, as well as racialized, Indigenous and disabled women. To change the odds and protect women, we must change sexist behaviours and ideologies that have been normalized in our system
Hyper-sexualization of the female form is a large part of the problem. Many women can relate to the feeling of discomfort at a person staring at their chest, or being told by elders that their clothing choices are suggestive. This hyper-sexualization invites dangerous rhetoric around consent and clothing; that a woman who shows skin, or shows parts of her ‘sexual’ form is asking for sexual advances. Using women’s attire as a justification for sexual violence has even been used in courts of law. This places the blame on the victim, contributing to underreporting of these crimes and normalization of this abusive behaviour. Clothing is not consent.
Consent is a voluntary agreement to do something. Consent isn’t something that can be assumed, it must be stated enthusiastically by the other person. If you want to be sure you have received consent, you can always ask or follow this guide:
  1. Is the person of age, conscious/aware and free to make a personal choice?
  2. Am I in a position of authority that can pressure this person’s decision to say no?
  3. Is this person under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
  4. Is this person’s body language indicating discomfort?
  5. Has the person given verbal consent and is enthusiastically pursing the action?
  6. Does this person feel coerced or pressured? Do they seem unsure?
What Can I Do to Help?

  • Practice and promote consent
  • If you see something, say something
  • Respect a person’s gender and sexual orientation
  • Stay updated with our public education workshops
Gratitude Report
Our 2021-2022 Gratitude Report is now available! Your contributions help to provide lifesaving emergency shelters, individual counselling, group support, family court support, transitional and housing support, and other services. Thank you for helping women and children begin their journeys towards lives free from violence!
Community Support
Our Garden is coming together! Bimbo Canada and The Markham Garden Horticultural Society teamed up to plant some herbs and vegetables in the new garden. Stay tuned for next month, when they install the new shed!
Want to get involved in your own volunteering project?
Step In My Shoes Walk
Our Annual Step In My Shoes Walk is back! Join us on November 6th, 2022 at 10am in person at St. Andrews College.

Registration is free! Food, beverages and more goodies will be available! Help us reach our goal of $100,000 to raise funds in support of our life-saving support services and prevention programs for women and children. Every $150 raised will ensure one night of safety for a woman or child impacted by violence and abuse. Stay tuned for more updates on this event, and make sure to register below!

Thank you for supporting us in the movement to end domestic violence.

*A hybrid option is available for those who cannot join in person. Register to walk, run or jog on your own or with some friends throughout the months of September and October. Send some pictures of your participation to events@yellowbrickhouse.org to be included in the celebration video. 
 905-709-0900 | supporter@yellowbrickhouse.org | www.yellowbrickhouse.org
Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-263-3247