A step in the right direction

New UPEI stand-alone sexual violence policy approved Oct. 4

A new sexual violence policy will be put in place at UPEI.

Recently, the institution’s Board of Governors’ voted to approve a new stand-alone approach.

“This is a good first step toward addressing the systemic issue of sexual violence within the university community and making our campus life safer,” said Emma Drake, vice president academic and external of the school’s student union.

A number of important factors have been included in the policy such as explanations of services and supports on campus for those in the university community who have experienced sexual violence, a step-by-step guide on how to disclose and/or report, a description of the rights that participants have to legal representation and protection from face to face interactions.

“This is certainly a good initiative,” Drake added. “We hope to build upon this initial policy and amend it as needed to ensure it functions effectively as a stand-alone policy for UPEI.”

Some elements that the UPEISU representatives believe could be added to the policy are anonymous complaint options, the existence of an independent or third-party member of the appeal committee and required sexual violence support and sensitivity training for all those involved in the complaint process.