Creating a campus where students feel safe, informed and supported depends on effective communication, visibility and trust. Here at Cape Breton University, Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators (SSHSE) are leading that work by engaging their peers in meaningful discussions about consent, bystander intervention and sexual violence prevention throughout the academic year.
The peer-led program is designed to ensure that students have access to relevant and approachable education and supports related to sexual health and safety. As students themselves, the educators bring lived experience and real-time insight into campus life, allowing them to respond directly to the needs and concerns of their peers.
"I started at CBU just after turning 18, and the transition into university life felt intimidating at times," said Jaylin Williams, a Student Sexual Health and Safety Educator at CBU. "There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, and at the time, I didn't realize there were people on campus who could help in those situations. Becoming an SSHSE felt important to me because it allowed me to be someone students could turn to, especially if they're unsure or unaware of the support available to them."
Throughout the semester, the educators delivered Waves of Change bystander intervention training sessions to Cape Breton University Students' Union employees, varsity athletes, residence advisors, students living in residence and members of the broader student population. The evidence-based program equips participants with the skills to recognize potentially harmful situations and intervene safely, while fostering a shared sense of responsibility across campus.
In addition to training sessions, the educators organized several interactive and educational events aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around consent. These included FRIES for Consent, a Halloween Trivia event featuring consent-focused questions and a presentation from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and the Pop(corn) Quiz, where students completed a short consent quiz in exchange for popcorn.
According to Williams, the peer-to-peer nature of the program plays a critical role in its impact.
"Students are often more comfortable opening up to people they feel equal to and can relate to," Williams said. "Having SSHSEs on campus creates a more approachable environment where students may feel safer asking questions, sharing experiences or seeking support. It helps build trust and encourages honest conversations around topics that are often stigmatized."
The educators also hosted a campus vigil on December 26, in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, honouring the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique in 1989 and acknowledging all those impacted by gender-based violence. The vigil provided space for reflection and reinforced a collective commitment to ending violence on campus and beyond.
Maintaining a visible presence across campus was a key component of the SSHSE initiative. Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators held weekly information tables in the cafeteria and connected with students at Capers soccer and basketball games, helping bridge the gap between students and available campus resources.
Through education, outreach and peer support, the Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators play an important role in strengthening community connections and promoting a safer, more informed campus environment at Cape Breton University. To keep up to date with future SSHSE events, visit cbu.ca/events.
