Deb Eerkes appointed permanent lead for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence response

Trigger Warning: This article discusses topics related to sexual and gender-based violence that some readers may find upsetting. Resources are available at the end of the article.

On February 1, Deb Eerkes was appointed as the permanent lead for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) response at the University of Alberta. Prior to the role becoming permanent, Eerkes filled the position for two years.

“From what I understand, the idea was always that this would be a permanent role. What I was planning to do was set it up so that whoever took over would be in a good place to do it,” Eerkes said.

During her time in the role, Eerkes worked to set up the new SGBV response policy. As well, she worked to roll out the Options Navigation Network (ONN).

The SGBV policy outlines the responsibilities of the institution and the university community concerning SGBV. The ONN is a group of university units that assist those who have experienced SGBV. These units have received general and role-specific training to take an intersectional and survivor-driven approach.

“The ONN is created and we’re slowly building on it,” Eerkes says

In February 2022, Eerkes received a letter from the provincial government about reviewing all processes within the SGBV policy and rewriting it. The letter stated that all public post-secondary institutions in Alberta had to update their sexual violence policies and procedures to make sure they are trauma-informed and procedurally fair.

She completed rewriting the policy in November 2022. After this, Eerkes started developing structures within the policy. This included the ONN and mandatory training for people who work with disclosures and complaints.

“The training is rolled out. The ONN is created and we’re slowly building on it,” Eerkes said.

Eerkes emphasized the constant change that comes with SGBV. For this reason, there was a need for the role to become permanent, she said.

“Expectations of survivors change, communities change, the way we want to see things resolved changes. The position needed to become permanent. It’s a never-ending job because society changes,” Eerkes said.

One of her primary focuses in the role will be promoting and constantly developing the ONN. Eerkes said this requires comprehensive training at all units and an increase in interest to pursue training. 

“I think slowly as time goes by and [with] word-of-mouth, I think there will be more interest in doing this. We want students to be able to go to any one of these units and get exactly the same information,” Eerkes said.

The ONN will launch in fall 2024, Eerkes said.

Eerkes will “bridge the information asymmetry between staff, students, and administrators,” Griffiths says

U of A Students’ Union (UASU) Vice-president (student life) Michael Griffiths said he hopes Eerkes will “bridge the information asymmetry between staff, students, and administrators.”

This role will help show students the options they have at their disposal, Griffiths said. According to Griffiths, students may not feel comfortable reaching out beyond their close circles.

Currently, student fees contribute to funding Eerkes’ position. According to Griffiths, this isn’t ideal.

“Students are in part bearing the responsibility for the institution’s response to sexual violence. I would love it if it didn’t have to come out of a student fee. [Rather] find ways to lead the response grounded in [the university’s] operating budget,” Griffiths said.

To connect with the student body, Eerkes will meet with the UASU and the Graduate Students Association (GSA) monthly.

“This role was laid up from the very beginning, [for a] person [who] needs to be connected to the community. Making sure that we’re hearing people’s concerns, their needs and expectations, [and] maybe managing them,” Eerkes said. 

For crisis support during The Sexual Assault Centre’s operating hours, visit 2-705 SUB, phone 780-492-9771, or email [email protected].

The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton‘s Support and Information Line is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Alberta’s One Line for sexual violence is a toll-free phone, text, and chat service, private and available throughout Alberta from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call or text 1-866-403-8000.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre provides phone and text support outside of these hours at 1-866-956-1099.