New graphic novella launches at BU as sexual violence resource

A graphic novella, based on the real accounts of 10 people who have experienced sexual violence, will be launched at a special event next week at Brandon University (BU).

It Happened to Me and it’s not OK: Sharing Stories of Sexual Violence has been developed as a resource for post-secondary educational institutions and other community organizations. The launch will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Evans Theatre, inside BU’s McKenzie Building. The launch will feature a large-scale presentation of the book on the big screen, accompanied by a reading by actors. A reception will follow in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library.

It Happened to Me and it’s not OK was developed by Candice Waddell-Henowitch, Jessica Laxdal and Curt Shoultz of BU along with artist Merissa Mayhew, in conjunction with the Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) and the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC). The narrative was based on interviews with 10 individuals who had experienced some form of sexual violence while in post-secondary education. Their accounts were compiled into those of four fictional characters who relate their experiences to a fifth character, who has experienced some form of unwanted sexual activity. The approach maintains the novella’s connection to reality while preserving anonymity for the interview participants.

“What makes this book so sobering and impactful is that while the stories have been formed into composites, they are all based on very real events,” said Waddell-Henowitch, who is an Associate Professor in BU’s Department of Psychiatric Nursing. “The five characters could be anyone, and their experiences reflect the reality that people face every day. It’s this genuine quality that we hope will be meaningful to the readers, and I’m very grateful for those that have shared their experiences, so we can let people see that they’re not alone.”

The graphic novella includes facts about sexual violence throughout, as well as a page that organizations can use to promote their resources to support individuals who have experienced sexual violence.

“When I was asked to create the artwork for the project, I knew there would be a lot of ground to cover.  It was a challenge on how to interpret these anonymous survivors’ experiences into something that could be illustrated, read, and — most of all — understood,” said Mayhew, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media and Design from BU. “I took the project very seriously, for it was one that couldn’t be taken lightly. I believe this will be a very valuable and significant resource.”

Brandon University is reaching out to other institutions to make It Happened to Me and it’s not OK available to them. Interested organizations may also contact Waddell-Henowitch at WaddellC@BrandonU.ca.

Content warning: This graphic novella includes the voices of individuals who have experienced sexual violence.

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