Brescia commits to multipronged approach in dealing with sexual violence on campus
December 7, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDON, ON – Brescia University College has formally and proactively committed to creating a safer campus environment through the approval and implementation of a Sexual Violence Policy, adhering to and in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. The institution’s initiative also includes a campus-wide training and education program which will take place in 2017. This multipronged approach outlines Brescia’s response protocol to sexual violence, ensuring the proper resources and supports are in place for those who experience sexual violence and for those who wish to support the survivor.
The Brescia University College Sexual Violence Policy was unanimously approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in July 2016. The policy outlines Brescia’s commitment to addressing sexual violence on campus through survivor support, awareness, education, training and prevention and it also addresses the response protocols to be followed in the case of a disclosure, report or complaint from any member of the community. The policy states that, “All members of the Brescia University College community have a right to work and study in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence.”
“We know that one in three Canadian women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime*. As Canada’s only women’s university, it is imperative for us to recognize this and to take proactive measures in ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus,” says Brescia’s Principal, Dr. Susan Mumm. “We remain committed to ensuring an environment of safety and inclusivity for the entire Brescia community.”
In addition, an interactive website has been launched to support the policy. The website is intended to be a resource for survivors, who have experienced sexual violence and also for those who may be supporting a survivor. Additional resources available in the local community as well as a copy of the Sexual Violence Policy are also included.
A holistic campus-wide education strategy was launched in September 2016 beginning with a Leaders Forum, which was attended by campus leadership from Brescia and Kings’ University College. Training sessions for all employees at Brescia will take place in early 2017, to ensure faculty and staff know how to respond to and support a survivor of sexual violence.
For more information on Brescia’s Sexual Violence Policy, please visit: http://brescia.uwo.ca/life/sexual-violence/.
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For more information please contact:
Colleen Aguilar, Director, Communications & External Relations at 519-432-8353, ext. 28293 or at colleen.aguilar@uwo.ca, or Caitlin Core, Communications& External Relations Officer at 519.432.8353, ext. 28280 or at ccore@uwo.ca.
*ontario.ca
Brescia University College, is affiliated with Western University. The 1,500 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, and Foods & Nutrition in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred, and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic University College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity.