Without consent, it’s not sent. The tag line of SAVEdmonton’s new campaign is to educate the public on consent and technology. Sharing an intimate photo of someone without consent is never OK. In fact, it’s against the law.
“As technology becomes an increasingly common site for sexual experimentation, we are also seeing a disturbing and pervasive trend where technology is used to enact sexual violence by sharing intimate photos of individuals without their consent,” says Dr. Cristina Stasia, Chairperson for SAVEdmonton.
Earlier this year, Bill C-13, the anti-cyber bullying law was passed. This legislation states that it is illegal for anyone to share intimate photos of a person without their consent.
“We are aware that intimate photos are being distributed without consent,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes with the Edmonton Police Service. “At EPS, we’re also aware that these types of crimes are under reported, perhaps because of fear and embarrassment.”
SAVEdmonton created this campaign to help alleviate some of the fear and embarrassment that victims of this crime may feel by providing non-victim blaming education that places the onus and responsibility on the person who is considering sharing a photo without consent instead of on the victim.
This campaign targets its message at youth and young adults who may find themselves in the position of bystander – someone who has received a photo of someone without consent and is considering what action to take. SAVEdmonton is encouraging people to #DeleteIt (delete the image) as the campaign tag line states, “without consent, it’s not sent.”
#DeleteIt has been created to start the consent awareness conversation on social media.
“Campaign posters will be seen on Edmonton transit, in restaurants and bars as well as schools,” says Stasia. “Conversation and awareness around consent is crucial for youth to comprehend and put into practice.”
SAVEdmonton would like to thank the Edmonton Public School Board and Edmonton Catholic School District for supporting this campaign. Posters and educational materials will be seen at local schools.
SAVEdmonton Partners:
- Edmonton Police Service
- Responsible Hospitality Edmonton
- Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
- University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre
- Canadian Red Cross
SAVEdmonton’s “Don’t be that Guy” campaign that was originally unveiled in November 2010 and a second rendition was launched in November 2012. The campaign continues its momentum with law enforcement agencies, schools and other organizations using the campaign for their respective audiences.
Read the backgrounder for more information and visit SAVEdmonton to download the posters.
