Sexual violence does not occur in isolation. Power, inequality, cultural norms, and systemic gaps all shape how sexual violence happens. PEIRSAC’s Prevention & Education team works to address the root causes of sexual violence and create communities built on consent and respect.

Sexual violence is intersectional. Colonialism, racism, ableism, transphobia, and misogyny create environments where some people are targeted or disbelieved more than others. We believe that effective prevention addresses both  individual behaviours and the broader systems. 

The work of this team includes:

  • Shifting public attitudes about sexual violence 

  • Increasing community understanding and knowledge of sexual violence, and building capacity to respond

  • Supporting survivors in understanding and asserting their rights  

  • Collaborating with local organizations on projects and events that intersect with sexual violence 

Colorful sticky notes in pink, blue, orange, and yellow with three markers in black, blue, and yellow on a white surface.

Prevention & Education

People participating in a protest march holding a large banner reading 'Take Back the Night' and 'End Gender Violence Now' on a city street with storefronts and buildings in the background. Participants are wearing masks.
Black-and-white coloring page featuring a vase with flowers and the words "We Believe You." Colorful advocacy stickers with rainbows and teddy bears, themes of support and advocacy, are also visible.

Learn More about our Core Services:

Our team develops public education workshops related to sexual violence.

Previously, we have worked with community organizations to provide Bystander Intervention to Sexual Violence training, have provided public sessions on Responding to Disclosures, and provided trainings to staff in the hospitality sector focused on drug-facilitated sexual violence.

Please email education@peirsac.org if you are interested in learning more about our current offerings or to request a workshop. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

Workshop Development

Since 2021, PEIRSAC’s Prevention & Education team has organized an annual province-wide Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which includes a Take Back the Night march. Through advocacy and education, the goals of the week are to: 

  • Foster community connections 

  • Prevent sexual violence 

  • Spread organizational awareness  

In planning the week, PEIRSAC receives guidance and feedback from community members, as well as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Advisory Group (SAPAG), which is chaired by PEIRSAC staff and operates as part of the Premier’s Action Committee.

In 2026, Sexual Assault Awareness Week will take place from October 1st to 7th. More details coming soon.

Sexual Assault Awareness Week‍ ‍

PEIRSAC continuously works to develop new and updated print materials. Visit our resource page to view and learn more about our current publications.

In addition to this, our team works to create original educational content on our social media on a semi-regular basis. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our content.

PEIRSAC clients also have access to our Client Library, which houses hundreds of physical books focused on healing from violence and building or re-building sustainable relationships and patterns in your life.

Resource Creation

Cartoon pirates with a parrot on a branch against a blue sky.
Signboard titled 'Transformative Action' with a subtitle about addressing racial injustice in gender-based violence work, sponsored by Prince Edward Island, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and Fondation canadienne des relations raciales, displayed in an indoor hall with tables and chairs in the background.
Group of five women standing together at an event, smiling, in front of a banner that reads 'Safer Space' and 'Ripple Effect.'
Four women in a room with black curtains, gathered around a table with papers, a rotary phone, and a tablecloth. One woman stands at the end of the table, three women face her, with a coat rack and bookshelf in the background.
Logo for Island Shot, PEI sexual assault center, featuring a lime slice with the text 'ISLAND SHOT' and the slogan 'Ask Your Server'.

Previous Projects:

Captain Courage and the 7Cs: Book & Puppet Show

(November 2024 - November 2025)

Based on the characters and concepts from PEIRSAC’s Captain Courage puppet show (which toured PEI for two years), a book for young readers was published and distributed to PEI schools and libraries.

(April 2025)

Transformative Action was a conference addressing racial injustice in gender-based violence work, featuring a keynote presentation from El Jones.

Transformative Action Conference

Safer Spaces Support Tent: CBMF & Sommo

(July 2024)

The Safer Spaces Support tent partnered with local organizations to provide harm reduction, education, and support to attendees at major PEI festivals.

(November 2023)

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Centre, Provocation told the story of the women who founded the organization in 1983.

Provocation: A Play

(May 2022 - Present)

The Island Shot training program emerged as a response to drug-facilitated sexual violence in the PEI hospitality industry, going on to train staff and volunteers over the course of three years.

Island Shot Program