creating a better learning environment

• List five specific places where you feel most unsafe.
• What would make you feel safer?

METRAC stresses that the audit group should reflect the needs of the women in the entire community. While it may not be possible to have a representative of every group on an audit committee of 3 to 7 women, try to be aware of the points of view of women who might be: using a wheelchair; hearing or visually impaired; mentally challenged; very young or old; poor; lesbian; shift workers; travelling with young children; carrying parcels; members of a minority culture; unable to read; not familiar with English or French. Women who have experienced physical violence perceive safety differently from whose who have not; their concerns must be taken into account.

Safety audits can also be used to look at programs or policies. Are there practices in your literacy program that make women feel unsafe? Are there books or leaflets that use sexist or racist language or make assumptions about people based solely on gender, race or sexual orientation? These books might make some women feel threatened.

Do you trust the people you would have to go to for help if you had been sexually assaulted? Would they be sensitive to your needs? Is there a safe place, such as a woman's centre where you can go if you need to be alone or to talk to someone? Safety audits give those who participate a sense of control. The results can be used to support the need for changes that you feel are necessary to your environment.