Social media- platforms we use every day to keep in touch with our friends, family or to stay updated on current events. One of the more recent news making waves on Facebook is the page created by Mount Saint Vincent University student Shelby Miller titled “I’m With Her.” This movement started in wake of the numerous sexual assault allegations that have been reported on university campuses in recent years in not only Nova Scotia, but all across Canada. The Facebook group grew quickly from a few dozen members to nearly 2000, with support being shown from all over. The goal was to unite members of the group and their various schools to raise awareness for the cause Miller started. Women need to be believed. They need to feel validated and heard when they come forward with their sexual assault cases by their communities and their campus boards.
Miller and her friend and fellow activist Dalhousie student, Kyra Brett, decided enough was enough after St.FX university allowed a male student who committed sexual assault on another student was allowed back on campus the following year. The I’m With Her co-founders came up with the idea to hand make ribbons to show their solitude for the victim. The aim was to get as many supporters as possible wearing the ribbons on Thursday, October 18th.
If you saw someone wearing a teal ribbon on your campus, know they are an ally. Both Miller and Brett are passionate that the movement carries on even if they are not the ones spearheading it. Miller specified, “We want to hear from other people on the subject, because clearly we are not the only ones who feel strongly about this.” Brett was quick to point out that the I’m With Her page was every member’s platform, “If you have resources, events, societies or anything interesting coming up that you think people would be interested in based on the demographic, then shoot them out [on the Facebook page].” I’m With Her did not end on October 18th. You can still advocate for change each and every day.
For far too long women have felt unsafe on their campuses. Walking back to residence or vehicle after a night class means molding your keys into brass knuckles. It means not putting both headphones in, it means looking over shoulder because you are the only protection you have against a potential sexual or physical assault. Women are just trying to get an education and should not have to live in fear. To keep the conversation going on sexual assault awareness join pages like I’m With Her, look for volunteer opportunities at your local health centre and don’t be silent. Remember you can use the many communicative platforms we have today to ask questions and call others to action.
Change is on the horizon.
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Olivia Hernden – MSVU Student