For crisis intervention or mental distress: Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line:
1-888-429-8167

For Confidential support to post-secondary students in Nova Scotia:
Good2Talk: 1-833-292-3698
or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program for the Halifax area:
902-425-0122

Get toll-free numbers for other Nova Scotia regions

 

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Indian Male

Effectiveness is the most important factor

There are many, many violences perpetrated in the city I come from. I believe that not only should we have this policy in existence, but the effectiveness of the policy is very important. There are many people who don't report any activities because they are scared to get in trouble, or, because they are unaware of the policy. So, awareness is the first point, and then effectiveness is the most important factor.

Recommendations

  • Consider how a student's identities might affect their expectations and concerns when accessing supports following a sexual assault, or when involved in a sexual assault investigation.

  • Display QR codes providing immediate access to on- and off-campus supports and policy information in high-traffic areas on campus.

  • Offer fictionalized but representative examples of how disclosures and reports to the university have been handled.

  • Ensure the policy is prominently situated and easy to locate on the university website.

  • Outline the policy review process and timeline within the policy and educational materials.

  • Use multiple formats to deliver accessible education about the SV/SA policy during orientation and at least once per semester

  • Provide detail and clarity about what happens, and who helps the students involved, at every stage of the process following a disclosure or report.