B.C. Lions linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed (left) and teammate Claudell Louis visited the Kamloops School of the Arts on Wednesday to talk to students about preventing violence against women. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

BE MORE THAN A BYSTANDER

B.C. Lions visit Kamloops school to educate students about preventing violence against women

Feb 12, 2020 | 4:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — For nearly a decade, the B.C. Lions have been bringing awareness to schools across the province about the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, mostly on women.

Launched in 2012, the program ‘Be More Than Just A Bystander’ is presented in partnership with the Ending Violence Association of B.C. and aims to educate communities about how abuse can be stopped. On Wednesday, a pair of Lions visited the Kamloops School of the Arts with their own stories and message.

Linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed has witnessed domestic violence first-hand. He’s passionate about spreading the message about ending gender-based abuse.

“I’ve witnessed and seen a lot of different types of abuse, and it can happen to anyone and I think that’s what I realized. It can happen to anyone, so that’s why it was good to talk to the kids about it,” said Herdman-Reed.

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The presentation aims to bring more awareness to how prevalent violence against women is. According to the Ending Violence Association of B.C., one in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

“I have a mother, girlfriend and sister. To actually think about, out of those three in their lifetime, one could be sexually assaulted, it’s very disturbing,” said Lions defensive tackle Claudell Louis. “You don’t want to think about it, especially if it’s somebody that’s close to you.”

The players noted during their talk that ending violence starts at the ground level, including bullying and harassment online in the social media world we live in.

“That’s a big part of it and a big issue we have to address,” noted Herdman-Reed. “If we can come out here and approach the kids and tell them, ‘That’s actually a form of abuse as well. So when you’re going on there and treating others poorly, then that’s actually a form of abuse.'”

The students who watched the presentation walked away with tools they can use next stop to help stop abuse.

“I took away so much information about how to help people, how to help myself, how to do what I can to avoid violence happening to people, and how to point people towards resources that can help them,” said KSA student Abbie Israel-Armand.

Fellow student Jarett Defehr added, “Be better on social media. I personally treat women in a good way and never plan on treating a woman wrong.”

“I took away how to help myself and how to help other people in situations that may be frightening. I am thankful for the B.C. Lions to come and show us this. It’s a lot more effective for someone who plays sports to come and talk to us about this kind of thing,” said student Bailey Frey.

The Lions want to use their position as professional athletes to share an important message like violence against women.

“Use your voice to find some type of help, but if you keep it inside and don’t say anything, then you’re kind of making it seem like that behaviour’s acceptable,” said Herdman-Reed. “That’s not the type of culture we’re trying to build. We’re trying to build a culture that’s uplifting and empowering and respectful of one another.”