Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinators
This office provides leadership in prevention and intervention programs to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence at the University of Guelph, and to enhance the conditions and likelihood of personal and academic success. This includes ensuring appropriate coordination of care and individual support for students and communicating with appropriate partners, both on and off campus.
The office is committed to the following:
- Providing education and support that are trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, survivor-centric, and rooted in harm-reduction philosophies
- Supporting student survivors of sexual and gender-based violence including coordinating accommodations, system navigations, safety planning, and referrals
- Providing preventative education and training to the University of Guelph campus community
SGBV Support Coordinators:
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinators works with survivors to support them in coordinating support and resources following experiences of sexual and gender-based violence. They also provide consultation services to faculty and staff responding to disclosures of sexual violence. Anyone can refer a friend or themselves to a Coordinator by emailing svinfo@uoguelph.ca or calling 519-824-4120 x53020
Support can help to some extent with a survivor's healing journey and may include the following:
- Coordinating academic accommodations
- Referrals to physical and mental health services
- Coordination of care
- Discussing reporting options
- Safety planning
- Additional support identified by survivors
You do not need to disclose or make a report to access support. Students are also welcome to bring a support person with them to the planning or support meeting.
For an introduction to the Support Coordinators' services and what to expect when you meet with them, please review this video.
You can reach the SGBV Support Coordinators by emailing svinfo@uoguelph.ca
Christina Kingsbury (she/they), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator
Christina Kingsbury is a queer white settler and Registered Social Worker with three years of experience supporting student survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in post-secondary settings, and over 20 years of experiencing working at the intersections of justice and healing as a community-engaged artist and educator. She has held roles in gender justice work as a Counsellor/Advocate, Navigator and Support Coordinator for student survivors at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph.
Christina holds a Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University and has completed specialized training in trauma healing and politicized approaches to therapeutic work, with a special focus on supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Their approach to supporting survivors is rooted in values of solidarity and compassion, and they always strive to move at the speed of trust in respecting survivors' unique experiences, agency and needs. Christina's role involves supporting survivors by coordinating care and services, sharing resources, advocacy and accommodation support, and understanding reporting and justice options. She also provides consultation to staff and faculty responding to disclosures of SGBV experiences.
Christina brings warmth, presence and a collaborative trauma-informed approach to their work with survivors, and dedication to values of social justice and transformation.
Tamara Menon (she/her), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator
Tamara Menon is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a background in community-engaged arts, trauma-informed counselling, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Her previous work has focused on supporting individuals navigating complex experiences related to reproductive health, sexual and gender-based violence, and systemic inequities. Through her training and previous placements, Tamara has also worked directly with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking, co-facilitating psychoeducational groups and contributing to resource development for survivors and caregivers. Her approach prioritizes empowerment, cultural humility, and creating safer spaces for individuals whose voices are often marginalized. Using a trauma-informed, feminist, and intersectional lens, she supports clients in navigating deeply personal decisions while addressing the broader social and structural barriers that impact their wellbeing. She has had prior experience in providing post secondary students with emotional support, case management, and advocacy for equitable access to services.
In addition to her clinical work, Tamara brings extensive experience in community arts and youth engagement. Earlier in her career, she worked as a music facilitator with underserved youth in India, using arts-based methods to support storytelling, confidence building, and community connection. She remains committed to advancing equity, supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and creating spaces where individuals and communities can reclaim agency, voice, and dignity.