Sexual Violence Against Women in Post-Secondary Institutions

Category:

LEGISLATION

Sub-Category:

SOCIAL – ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN/PORNOGRAPHY

Resolution Number:

100.41.45

Post secondary students who identify as female experience higher rates of sexual assault in
both on and off-campus locations than students who identify as male. The highest rates
sexual assault occurs among Indigenous, new immigrant, disabled and transgendered
women. In September 2021, the Government of Ontario directed post-secondary institutions
to update their policies around reporting of sexual assaults prior to March 31, 2022. Yet there
has not been a significant reduction in the incidence of sexual violence on and off-campus.
BPW Ontario believes more supports are needed for students who have experienced and
witnessed sexual assault, violence, and unwanted sexual behaviours. BPW Ontario also
understands the important education has played in increasing the number of cases reported
and reduce incidents. Statistics and surveys show that the attitudes and behaviours of men
continue to exhibit sexually aggressive, harassing, and coercive behaviours towards women
with respect to dating and substance usage with substance usage have the potential to
escalate encouraging sexual coercion. References
Burczycka, M.. (2019). Students’ experiences of unwanted sexualized behaviours and sexual
assault at post-secondary schools in the Canadian provinces (2019). Canadian Centre for
Justice and Community Safety Statistics. Retrieved from
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2020001/article/00005-eng.htm
Canadian Federation of Students. (2017). Sexual violence on campus fact sheet / December
2015. https://cfsontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Factsheet-SexualAssault.pdf
Government of Ontario. (2016). Bill 132 (Chapter 2 Statutes of Ontario, 2016) An act to
amend various statutes with respect to sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic
violence and related matters. Retrieved from bill—text-41-1-en-b132ra.pdf (ola.org)
Government of Ontario. (2016a). Progress report 2015-2016 It’s never okay: An action plan
to stop sexual violence and harassment. Retrieved from files.ontario.ca/mi-
2005_svhap_progress_report_en.pdf
Government of Ontario Newsroom. (2021). Ontario strengthening supports for
postsecondary students reporting sexual violence or harassment September 16, 2021.
Retrieved from
Ontario Strengthening Supports for Postsecondary Students Reporting Sexual Violence or
Harassment | Ontario Newsroom

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Business and Professional Women of Ontario (BPW Ontario)
urges the Government of Ontario and relevant ministries to:
A) provide students and staff in post-secondary, secondary, and elementary schools an
interactive, graduated and age-appropriate curriculum, which includes a testing
component including specific material around rape culture, misogyny, bystander
intervention, and concept of consent;
B) provide mandatory training for all staff as it relates to the Code of Conduct regarding
sexual assault and unwanted sexual behaviours;
C) establish a clear Code of Conduct for student behaviour in post-secondary institutions
that clearly define sexual assault and unwanted sexual behaviors, to include extensive
training on gender-based violence, informed consent, and bystander intervention
training;
D) mandate that post-secondary institutions review their investigative processes, provide
remedial action, and partner with local professional organizations that have the skills and
knowledge to provide appropriate investigation, guidance, and supports as required; and
E) continue to increase funding for survivor supports, services, accommodations, and
resources on and off-campus with the determination of those supports and services to be
made using input from students and particularly student survivors.