This resource was created by librarians and library staff who identify as white or Non-Black Persons of Colour, and who occupy spaces of privilege. We are not immune to the hidden biases of our own privileges and perspectives, even as we strive to perform the work of allies. We recognize that girls and young women from poor, rural or Indigenous communities, those who are or are perceived to be 2SLGBTQQIA+, and those living with disabilities are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. We invite users of this resource to mindfully observe and recognize privileges they might have that may bear upon their interaction and engagement with survivors of sexual assault.
Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault. It includes all unwanted sexual activity, such as unwanted sexual grabbing, kissing, and fondling as well as rape. Sexual activity is only legal when both parties consent.
The eBooks and resources contained in this guide are accessible through McMaster University Library, or are openly available on the internet. This guide is not comprehensive; it is intended as a place to start your research, or access resources on campus or in the surrounding community. We believe that information is powerful. We encourage all members of the McMaster community to educate themselves about the myriad ways rape culture permeates our world and perpetuates sexual assault.
To this end, we welcome, and are grateful for, any and all feedback and recommendations.
McMaster University stands on the traditional territory shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinabek nations. We must acknowledge a debt to those who were here before us, and recognize our responsibility, as guests, to respect and honour the intimate relationship Indigenous peoples have to this land.
This land acknowledgement serves to remind us of the urgent requirement that we, as settlers and descendants of colonizers, take strong and consistent action to learn and work towards decolonization; towards respecting and honouring Turtle Island and its inhabitants. This guide was created to gather and easily provide access to some McMaster University's resources, as well as other local and global openly accessibly resources, that can help to guide our actions towards reconciliation with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, and reparations with Black folks and Persons of Colour.