Sexual Assault Review Report to Senate Heather Lane Vetere Vice-Provost Students

+ Process Over 35 meetings: Wide cross-section of Ryerson community members and groups, and interested stakeholders Over 30 documents reviewed including: Policies at other Ontario, Canadian and US institutions National and local survey data Ontario Women’s Directorate resource guide The Ontario Premier’s Action Plan on sexual violence and harassment Participation in the “Taking Action: Sexual Violence on Campus conference” at York University in February

+ Some general findings Really good and important work is already happening at Ryerson Many more students experience sexual assault than disclose or report on campus Ryerson data is slightly lower than the Canadian average Need to address broader issue of sexual violence which includes sexual assault and rape No clear understanding of where to direct survivors for support or general information

+ Some general recommendations We need: A single policy addressing sexual violence at Ryerson A policy that meets the needs of a diverse community of students, faculty and staff A coordinated educational strategy to provide annual training, prevention and awareness activities The provision of support to survivors separated from those who investigate and adjudicate complaints Individualized support based on the needs and identity of the survivor

+ The Report Addresses current practice and policy 19 recommendations made to provide a better and more coordinated institutional response Includes a recommendation to create a dedicated Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education with a coordinator Includes sections focusing on: Survivor support; Prevention, awareness, education and training; Changes or additions to existing policy; Options for formal reports/complaints; and Addressing risk.

+ The Draft Policy states: “…commitments to raise awareness and educate about sexual violence, to prevent sexual violence, to reduce the risk of sexual violence incidents, to promote a consent culture, and to respond to the needs of survivors in our community for support and empowerment.”

+ The Draft Policy: Defines key terms such as sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, consent, rape culture, disclosure, and report/complaint Makes a statement about sexual violence and identity in the context of the diverse Ryerson community A section on the planned sexual violence education strategy Outlines the parameters of consent Identifies what the community can expect in terms of support for survivors and confidentiality Summarizes formal reporting/complaint options for survivors Commits to the maintenance of statistics

+ Next steps May 6: released in Ryerson Today for feedback May 29: deadline for feedback June 29: draft policy presented to Board of Governors for approval