Surviving Greek Life

The following video contains mention of and direct quotes detailing experiences of sexual violence, racism, misogyny, drug-facilitated sexual assault, rape, groping, being forced into silence, non-disclosure agreements, and victim-blaming. The PEARS Project collected anonymous accounts of students' experiences with Greek Life at UofT. The following video is a compilation of the responses we received being read by volunteers on behalf of those who chose to come forward. PEARS stands for Prevention, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Response for Survivors. The PEARS Project is a grassroots, trauma-informed coalition that provides support and resources to survivors of sexual violence across the University of Toronto. Founded and led by survivors, PEARS recognizes survivors as leaders in the field and the voices which need to be heard to implement policy change. The tri-campus initiative has trained 10 teams of peer supporters: one at each St. George campus college, as well as at each satellite campus and within the Faculty of Engineering. More information about The PEARS Project can be seen at: https://linktr.ee/ThePEARSProject Participants were asked to read anonymous statements submitted through the PEARS survey. In order to ensure best practices, a peer supporter was present on set, accommodations were provided to those who requested them. Choice and autonomy were available throughout filming (eg. if students wanted to read the statement ahead of time, select a different statement, stay seated, walk in or walk out, or change their mind and stop filming at any point). Our behind-the-scenes working team was composed entirely of survivors, women, feminized people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Students who participated in the video are student leaders (including those in the UTSU and PEARS), or survivors. Thank you to the student union for their funding and support. Thank you to our volunteers and we are incredibly grateful to all the participants who made this possible. The PEARS Project acknowledges that this video was filmed on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and covered by Treaty 13 signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We also acknowledge the disproportionate prevalence of gender-based violence done to Indigenous and First Nations women in colonial history. We recognize the disappearance of many First Nation, Indigenous, and Métis women that still go unsolved and unfound at the hands of colonial oppression and negligence. We stand in solidarity with all those still fighting for their mothers and sisters to be found and returned. Resources for survivors of sexual violence: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y... The PEARS Project: https://linktr.ee/ThePEARSProject