Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The following is a statement from the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee at Okanagan College.
According to a Statistics Canada report, 71% of students witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a Canadian post-secondary setting in 2019. These behaviours reportedly happened on campus, or in an off-campus situation that involved students or other people associated with the school. Among students, 45% of those who identified as women and 32% of those who identified as men personally experienced at least one such behavior in the context of their post-secondary studies.
January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Okanagan College does not tolerate or condone any form of sexual violence or misconduct, and is committed to creating and maintaining a learning and working environment characterized by mutual respect, safety, civility and free inquiry. Individuals who have experienced sexual violence and misconduct must be treated with compassion, dignity and respect at all times.
The Sexual Violence Prevention Committee (SVPC) has laid the groundwork for building a consent-based culture at Okanagan College through various training opportunities, including the mandatory Sexual Violence and Consent Moodle course for all students. While we have made some huge strides in raising awareness and promoting a culture based on consent, mutual respect and a compassionate and survivor-centered support process for those who experienced sexualized violence, we still have much we can aspire towards.
Every member of the college community has a role to play in creating safe collegial learning and working spaces at the institution. We encourage OC employees, students and volunteers to visit the Sexual Violence Awareness webpage where you can find important information, resources and access to counselling and other education and support information.
If you wish to participate in the work the SVPC does at your campus, please contact Tyler Finley (he/him/his), member of the committee and Interim Director Public Affairs, for more information.
