This doesn’t create too much pressure
Yeah, I think my mom and dad would be happy [about this policy]; and they would say that it's a good thing to have such a policy in our university because all these things could be happening behind our back and then someone will speak up or report and they could have, like, both options. This doesn't create too much pressure like, "Oh yeah, I have to be bullied, and with all the people around, my information is going to be exposed," or, "then I'll have to face everyone." That would not be the case, because they could be complete strangers to people, but they're still getting good counselling and all those things, and if they are really strong enough to stand for them, they could report the case and probably, you know, make sure that the person who is doing such a horrible thing is being punished. So, I think my parents would have a good reaction to it, like, "Oh yeah, it's a really good thing to have in a university where students might face things and they're able to speak up about it."
Recommendations
-
Develop a one-page document for parents/guardians of students that highlights key policy points and links to sexual assault resources and supports available in Canada.
-
Describe possible legal and institutional consequences for respondents found to have engaged in sexual violence. Provide indication of the range of consequences likely to follow a range of policy violations.
-
Provide students with information about what can serve as evidence of sexual assault for the purposes of a university investigation. This information should appear in the policy itself and in educational materials about the policy.
-
In the policy itself and in materials and presentations promoting the policy, define "confidential" and "anonymous," and explain how these concepts pertain to the policy, university-based sexual assault services, and the limits on confidentiality and anonymity.