Sexual violence prevention campaign begins on post-secondary campuses in B.C.

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 4:04pm
"This campaign helps to remind us that sexual violence has no place inside or outside our classrooms.” —Tanysha Klassen, chair of the BC Federation of Students

The focus of a sexual violence prevention campaign in B.C. is meant to remind students that sex without consent is rape and that consent must be voluntary, otherwise it is assault.

Students attending public post-secondary campuses deserve to feel safe and be free from sexual violence regardless of gender expression, identity or sexual orientation, a statement from the B.C. government asserts.

The campaign is aimed at students, faculty and staff at public post-secondary institutions and the broader community. The province-wide campaign will engage students where they live, getting the word out through social media, various digital platforms, as well as popular bars and pubs on and around campuses, and campus media outlets.

Since May 2017, all of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions have been required to have sexual violence and misconduct policies. The Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act also requires institutions to make their policies publicly available. Provincial regulations require private institutions with student residences to have policies.

“It is incredibly important that students feel safe on campus,” said Gillian Siddall, president, Emily Carr University of Art and Design. “Our students have a right to study in an inclusive learning environment that is free from inappropriate sexual conduct.”

Tanysha Klassen, chair of the BC Federation of Students, said “As a student, it is important while attending class every day to know the institution you are attending is actively working to end sexual violence. This campaign helps to remind us that sexual violence has no place inside or outside our classrooms.”

Learn More:

Preventing sexualized violence on B.C. campuses:  

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safe-campuses-bc

Sexual violence and misconduct policies:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-ed…

Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/16023_01

Ending Violence Association of BC: http://endingviolence.org/