Sexual Assault Review
Report to Senate
Heather Lane Vetere
Vice-Provost Students
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Process
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Over 35 meetings: Wide cross-section of Ryerson community
members and groups, and interested stakeholders
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Over 30 documents reviewed including:
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Policies at other Ontario, Canadian and US institutions
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National and local survey data
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Ontario Women’s Directorate resource guide
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The Ontario Premier’s Action Plan on sexual violence and harassment
Participation in the “Taking Action: Sexual Violence on Campus
conference” at York University in February
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Some general findings
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Really good and important work is already happening at Ryerson
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Many more students experience sexual assault than disclose or
report on campus
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Ryerson data is slightly lower than the Canadian average
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Need to address broader issue of sexual violence which includes
sexual assault and rape
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No clear understanding of where to direct survivors for support or
general information
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Some general recommendations
We need:
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A single policy addressing sexual violence at Ryerson
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A policy that meets the needs of a diverse community of students,
faculty and staff
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A coordinated educational strategy to provide annual training,
prevention and awareness activities
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The provision of support to survivors separated from those who
investigate and adjudicate complaints
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Individualized support based on the needs and identity of
the survivor
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The Report
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Addresses current practice and policy
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19 recommendations made to provide a better and more coordinated
institutional response
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Includes a recommendation to create a dedicated Office of Sexual
Violence Support and Education with a coordinator
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Includes sections focusing on:
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Survivor support;
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Prevention, awareness, education and training;
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Changes or additions to existing policy;
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Options for formal reports/complaints; and
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Addressing risk.
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The Draft Policy states:
“…commitments to raise awareness and educate about
sexual violence, to prevent sexual violence, to reduce the risk
of sexual violence incidents, to promote a consent culture,
and to respond to the needs of survivors in our community
for support and empowerment.”
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The Draft Policy:
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Defines key terms such as sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual
harassment, consent, rape culture, disclosure, and report/complaint
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Makes a statement about sexual violence and identity in the context
of the diverse Ryerson community
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A section on the planned sexual violence education strategy
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Outlines the parameters of consent
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Identifies what the community can expect in terms of support for
survivors and confidentiality
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Summarizes formal reporting/complaint options for survivors
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Commits to the maintenance of statistics
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Next steps
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May 6: released in Ryerson Today for feedback
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May 29: deadline for feedback
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June 29: draft policy presented to Board of Governors for approval