Sexual Violence Awareness and Education
Benefit your practices, patients, friends, and family by growing your awareness of local sexual violence resources, services, and systems. Consult with and learn from Sexual Violence Educator, Kiara Mikita, PhD.
The information Dr. Mikita presents is always practical and thought provoking and I leave feeling capable, whether dealing with sexual impropriety, supporting someone who discloses, or offering trauma and violence informed patient care. Dr. Mikita creates an environment that feels supportive and non-judgemental—so important since people cannot be open or receptive to change if they are feeling defensive. Each presentation I have heard her give provided the perfect balance of evidence, examples and practical advice.
Jayna M. Holroyd-Leduc MD FRCPC
Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, Brenda Strafford Chair in Geriatric Medicine, CSM
Explore what we can learn about sexual violence through comedy
Cumming School of Medicine events explore what we can learn about sexual violence through comedy
A panel of diverse voices including comedians, UCalgary experts, and those working on the front lines share insights during Sexual Violence Awareness Month
"Dr. Mikita has an innate ability to take a very complex topic and break it down in a way that truly resonates with the group she’s speaking with, whether it be students, physicians or members of the police and courts.
Her approach puts people at ease and invites meaningful conversation and engagement, as opposed to dismissiveness or defensiveness which can be a natural response to the topic for some.
Everyone that listens to a session of Dr. Mikita‘s comes away with some practical strategies to implement in their own life. Participants feel inspired and empowered to be part of the shift in culture that is needed to end sexual violence."
Danelle Spaetgens RN/BN
Patient Care Manager, Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) & Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART)
Changing Conversations - The Podcast!
In this webinar-turned-podcast, Sexual Violence Educator Dr. Kiara Mikita engages in thoughtful conversations with remarkable individuals working across sexual violence prevention, intervention, and response in urban and rural sites. Their insights, grounded in real-world wisdom, offer you fresh perspectives, relevant resources, and practical, everyday prevention, intervention, and response strategies. Join Dr. Mikita and her guests as they unpack complex issues with clarity, offering rich and comprehensive information you won’t find this approachable anywhere else.
"Dr. Mikita’s approach takes into consideration the points of view, experience, motivations and hurdles the audience might experience, and builds from that, always looking toward where she wants to take them. Her approach can be unconventional at times, and this novel experience for both facilitators and learners peaks curiosity, engagement, and retention.
Her insatiable desire for facilitating lasting learning and understanding across disciplines has led to relationship building across not only the sexualized violence sector but beyond. As a result, she integrates knowledge from a wonderfully dizzying range of perspectives, and her networks continue to reap the rewards of intersecting learning through the generous connections (and introductions) that Dr. Mikita makes.
Her impact on the sexual violence field is immeasurable."
Jenny Ofrim, MSW RSW
Program Manager, Association of Communities Against Abuse
5 Takeaways Series
Five things you might not have known before reading each of these…
Explore these downloadable PDFs showcasing a range of practical and adaptable takeaways applicable in various personal and professional situations and settings.
- 5 everyday things you can do to help stop sexual and gender based violence
- 5 hard questions to ask yourself (and others) about your role in sexual and gender based violence prevention
- 5 problematic assumptions you might be making about how you show up in the world
- 5 mistakes people are afraid to make about diversity and sexual and gender based violence
- 5 strategies to create comfort and safety when discussing harm
- 5 reasons you should want to normalize talk about sexual and gender based violence in your personal & professional life
- Cultivating Safe and Healthy Workspaces: 5 reminders for motivated leaders
- 5 things you probably didn't know about workplace sexual harassment
- 5 things you probably didn't but should know about consent
- 5 ways to help men feel comfortable and safe to engage in real talk during healthcare exams
- 5 ways to support gender and sexual diversity in families—What to say to parents, guardian, and others caring for gender and sexually diverse children and youth
- 10 things you should know about the University of Calgary's Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Office
"I just wanted to say that I am very impressed that you have organized this series. I have been waiting my whole career (and life!) for men to have this conversation. Keep up the brave and important programming."
Get in Touch
If you’d like to submit a question, a suggestion for a topic or guest speaker, be added to our mailing list, or would like to contact our Sexual Violence Educator about other related matters, please use the form below.
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