Ontario conducting survey on campus sexual violence

Students at post-secondary institutions across Ontario are taking part in a survey on sexual violence as part of the province’s efforts to combat sexual assault and harassment on campus.

The online survey is made up of over 50 questions that gauge respondents’ perceptions of consent and rape myths, their experiences with sexual violence, and how well they think their school responds to reports of sexual violence.

Ontario’s minister of advanced education and skills development said the province commissioned the survey to improve how the issue is dealt with.

“Research shows that sexual violence is consistently under-reported and really lacks consistent data,” Mitzie Hunter said in an interview.

“This survey is one component of a multifaceted strategy that we’ve developed here at the province to better understand and respond to sexual violence and harassment on campus, and frankly to change the culture and the climate around this issue.”

Legislation that came into effect Jan. 1, 2017, made it mandatory for all universities and colleges in the province to have policies that lay out rules and guidelines for reporting, investigating and disciplining sexual violence.

“We are doing the survey to get better data and equip institutions with the information they need to make changes,” Hunter explained. “We know there is more work to be done for sure and we are committed to doing that work.”

The Student Voices on Sexual Violence Survey is open to undergraduate and graduate students at universities, colleges and private post-secondary vocational schools. Eligible respondents were emailed an invitation to the survey.

University students have access to the survey until Monday, while college students have until April 2 to send in their responses. Students at private vocational colleges completed the survey between Feb. 16 and March 16.