Documentary to air in Lethbridge Tuesday to raise awareness on sexual violence

The players were arrested and served prison time, and the documentary focuses on the reaction and response to the assault, as well as the culture surrounding rape. It also focuses on how social media played a part in the violence incident.

“The group of football players who had committed the act used social media as a, I’m going to say ‘fun way’, without knowing, spreading the message of what they had done to this woman, who they sexually violated,” said Lisa Lewis, the chair of the Sexual Violence Action Committee and Director of Counselling, Outreach and Education at Lethbridge Family Services.

“Part two of the documentary (focuses on) how a social media blogger pieced together what these young men had done in order it to come to the court and for charges to get laid.”

It also looks at myths surrounding sexual violence. Lewis said the Committee’s goal is to always increase awareness on sexual violence, rape myths and to inform people that sexual violence is something that happens and what supports are available at the local level in the Lethbridge area.

“After the screening there will be a panel discussion with local community agencies that specialize in doing work around sexual violence and we will be discussing some of the issues that we’re facing in Lethbridge and rural areas regarding sexual violence,” she added.

She noted they chose to showcase this documentary because of its focus on the impacts social media has on sexual violence and because it focuses on the 14 to 17-year-old age range.

“We’re always looking to increase knowledge to that population around what is consent, what is sexual violence and what are appropriate sexual behaviors within teens and the youth in our community.”

The screening is set for Tuesday, May 28 at the downtown Lethbridge library from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Admission is free but registration is required. RSVPs can be made through the event’s Facebook page.

A trailer for the film can be seen below, courtesy Roll Red Roll Film on YouTube. More details on the Sexual Violence Action Committee can be found at svaclethbridge.com.

by Justin Goulet

Documentary to air in Lethbridge Tuesday to raise awareness on sexual violence

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