Province announces $2.5-million boost to combat sexual violence in post-secondary
Colleges and universities in Alberta will receive a financial boost from the province to address sexual violence on campus
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The provincial government is committing $2.5 million to help colleges and universities in Alberta address sexual violence on campus.
On Tuesday, the province announced the funding for post-secondaries to research, develop supports and deliver programming to combat sexual violence. Allocations will be announced in the coming weeks.
The funding will be used to develop a provincewide survey to understand sexual violence and harassment in Alberta’s post-secondary communities, Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said Tuesday.
The survey, scheduled to be sent out in the fall, will collect data on sexual violence, including feelings of safety and feedback on areas for improvement. Results are expected to be shared by the end of the 2022-23 academic year.
Post-secondary institutions are being asked to revisit their sexual violence policies and update them according to best practices by the end of this year, Nicolaides said.
“Sexual violence can leave lifelong scars, impacting survivors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being for years to come. The damage has a ripple effect that impacts everyone in their community,” Nicolaides said. “I’m here today because students deserve to be protected and have the support that they need.”
Other than the provincial survey, funds can also be used to support or develop training programs, including sensitivity training programs for individuals involved in the complaint process, he said.
In Canada, the majority of sexual assaults on campus are against women. In 2019, one in 10 female students experienced sexual assault on campus, according to Statistics Canada.
Whitney Issik, associate minister of Status of Women, said there is no specific data on sexual violence in Alberta. Providing funding for a provincewide survey and other supports will improve that understanding, she said.
“Our government is committed to supporting all survivors of sexual assault and shifting to a culture that prevents violence from happening in the first place,” Issik said. “Placing a greater focus on and investing in preventing sexual violence is key to making that change.”
Rachel Timmerman, chair of the Council of Alberta University Students, said despite domestic and sexual violence being a common occurrence on campus, many students do not know how to report an incident.
“Some are fearful of retaliation should they report, and it’s generally difficult to understand how to get the proper protection and support,” Timmerman said.
“Significantly more still needs to be done in prevention and education. Students in Alberta have been pushing this government for change and we’re happy to see the direction being announced today.”
The department will work with post-secondary institutions to develop grant agreements and what awareness programs could look like over the next few weeks, Nicolaides said.
In a statement, CAUS said the creation of a provincewide survey will enable the collection of long-term, consistent data that institutions and policymakers will be able to use to target programming, training and support where it’s needed.
“Implementing best practice through sexual assault policies can greatly improve reporting and disclosure, as well as better define processes and supports available,” the statement reads.
Janis Irwin, NDP women and LGBTQ issues critic, said she is glad to see the provincial funding. However, she said making more progress on addressing sexual violence on Alberta campuses will take sustained efforts.
“Addressing sexual violence on our campuses is crucial. Students deserve to be safe and supported wherever they go to school,” Irwin said in a statement.
Twitter: @BrittGervaisAB
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