Sexual assault prevention and awareness remains top of mind after last year’s disturbing allegations tied to Western University’s orientation week
Student leaders say excitement is high as Ontario universities prepare to host the first frosh weeks, largely in-person and absent of public health restrictions, since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“I think people are just very eager to have this opportunity again,” said Omar Gharbiyeh, president of University of Toronto Students’ Union, which hosts campus-wide orientation events. But a year after Western University’s frosh week ended with a mass walkout in the wake of multiple sexual assault allegations and claims of toxic campus culture, student leaders say additional supports and training are a key part of their orientation plans.
Western University, meanwhile, committed to a full re-evaluation of its orientation week after releasing two reviews into the school’s culture in May. A 2018 survey of more than 160,000 Ontario post-secondary students found nearly one-in-four reported they had been sexually assaulted since the start of the academic year.
“We’re trying to educate our 101-ers on what consent culture looks like and how to not facilitate an environment that is conducive to rape culture,” he said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
OPP seeking man accused of sexual assault on minorsProvincial police in Lanark County are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted on multiple charges related to sex offences against minors.
Read more »
Man accused of sexual assault on minor in Tay Valley Township arrested in Toronto, police sayStephen Reid, a resident of Ireland, faces four charges. He remained in custody Friday pending a show cause hearing, police said.
Read more »
Former Vancouver Whitecaps coach Birarda to apologize for sex offences: lawyer – Terrace StandardBob Birarda, 55, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual touching
Read more »
Man accused of sexual assault on minors arrested in TorontoStephen Reid, a resident of Ireland, faces four charges. He remained in custody Friday pending a show cause hearing, police said.
Read more »
Northern Ontario teacher charged with sexual assaultTimmins teacher accused of sexually assaulting a young person under 16
Read more »
Lawyer for former Vancouver Whitecaps coach asks for 1-year sentence for sex offencesBob Birarda, 55, pleaded guilty in February to three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual touching.
Read more »