We are students currently involved in the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) program at George Brown College. The program has not only been a beacon of hope but also an avenue to create advocates in the face of gender-based violence. The decision by the college to pause the program has adversely affected our community in a time of need.

Canada today faces extreme levels of sexism and misogyny that effect women and gender diverse people. The data shows that the rates of gender based violence are effecting a large portion of gender diverse people, especially the most marginalized, including trans and BIPOC people. We cannot allow one of the only programs in the country that focuses on this issue to be taken away!

We request the relevant authorities at George Brown College to reconsider their decision and to continue the AWCCA program. As current students who have faced gender-based violence in varying capacities, we understand the need for such a program more than anybody else. We firmly believe that the AWCCA program can effect long-term change for all.

Make your voice heard, join us in our fight for our right to education and justice. Please sign this petition to urge George Brown College to resume the AWCCA program.