Report on university campus sexual violence calls for culture change
A new report is calling on Nova Scotia’s 10 universities to set up additional programs to prevent sexual violence on campus, just weeks after high-profile sexual assault charges were laid at one school.
“Nova Scotia universities, like universities in other jurisdictions, have had incidents of sexual assaults,’’ said Dianne Taylor-Gearing, president of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
“Sexual assault in any form, in any number, is simply unacceptable.’’
The 72-page report released Friday explores the root causes of sexual violence, saying it is linked to issues such as gender inequality, confusion about consent, and a prevailing “rape culture’’ that still exists on campus.
The document defines rape culture as an environment where “male violence is legitimized and normalized in society through victim blaming, denial of sexual violence, stigmatization and the sexual objectification of women.’’
Its findings focus on “shifting the culture in which sexual violence exists’’ and calls on universities to develop sexual violence prevention plans, consent education, training to respond to disclosures of sexual assault and bystander programs.
“The report is an up front and frank acknowledgment of sexual violence and the societal influences of power and privilege,’’ said committee co-chairwoman Ava Czapalay, who co-authored the study for the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents.
“We appreciate that this is being released during a time when sexual harassment and sexual violence is being extensively reported in the media.’’
Last month, two varsity football players at St. Francis Xavier University were charged with sexual assault with allegations against a third student surfacing earlier this month.
The report notes that university frosh weeks, which often include excessive alcohol consumption, misogynist attitudes and hyper-sexuality, send a message to students that sexual violence is accepted.
Peter Ricketts, president and vice chancellor of Acadia University, said the school included sexual violence education and awareness about responsible alcohol use in its orientation week this fall.
But he acknowledged that “it’s not enough’’ and that more needs to be done to prevent sexual violence.
The Wolfville, N.S., university is working on developing a stand-alone sexual violence policy, Ricketts said.
Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis said half the province’s universities have already developed stand-alone sexual violence policies, while the other half are expected to comply by 2018.
He said the report, entitled Changing the Culture of Acceptance, should be required reading across the province.
“What really struck home to me is it spoke about an attitude change,’’ he said. “I felt it went beyond universities and that every Nova Scotian should read the report.’’