CBU Welcomes Special Guest Pamela Cross to Speak on Gender-Based Violence

Cape Breton University is proud to welcome Pamela Cross, renowned feminist lawyer, to campus as she hosts a special session as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, recognized nationally each year. The session, Making a Safe Community by Addressing Gender-Based Violence, will take place on Thursday, November 30, from 7:00-10:00pm at the Boardmore Theatre.

Pamela Cross is a distinguished expert in violence against women, known for her impactful work as a researcher, writer, educator and trainer. Serving as the Advocacy Director at Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre in Ontario, Pamela leads law and policy reform efforts and media work at the provincial and national levels. Her recent appointment to Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee underscores her commitment to effecting systemic change.

In addition to her advocacy work, Pamela has participated in numerous significant inquiries, including the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Inquiry and the Inquest into the 2015 triple femicide in Renfrew County, Ontario. She is a prolific author and a regular speaker at provincial, national and international conferences.

Cape Breton University’s ‪Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate, Sonya Spencer, says sexual violence is a form of gender-based violence and a comprehensive discussion is important to acknowledge and discuss its underlying causes if change is to be made.

“Although it is crucial to recognize that sexual violence is not exclusive to women, statistics show that women, particularly racialized women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, experience it at a higher rate,” says Spencer. “The fundamental driver of sexual violence is the same regardless of who experiences it.”

The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign from November 25 to December 10, dedicated to eliminating violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This campaign encourages individuals and communities to speak out against gender-based violence and renew their commitment to ending it.

Cape Breton University invites the community to join this important session during the 16 Days of Activism to learn, engage and contribute to building a safer community for everyone.

To learn more about the event, please visit cbu.ca/events.