Nipissing launches Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Committee

Nipissing University is establishing a Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Committee to create relevant policies and procedures addressing sexual violence within the Nipissing University community, develop prevention strategies and initiatives for education and training for students, faculty and staff, and to better respond to instances of sexual violence on campus.

A joint effort between the Office of Student Development and Services and the Human Resources Department, the committee will be comprised of individuals representing each one of Nipissing's internal constituent groups - students, faculty, and staff - as well as members of the community.

“The idea was discussed at a recent meeting of the Women’s Campus Safety Committee” said Nipissing’s Assistant Vice-President Students, Casey Phillips.  “There has been a lot of discussion recently about how universities respond to sexual violence on campus.  We approach these matters with the utmost seriousness and we value any conversation about how we can work together to prevent sexual violence and improve campus safety. This new committee will help us to create an environment free from discrimination, where students, staff, faculty and community members are safe and feel secure.”

Phillips and Cheryl Sutton, Director of Human Resources will act as committee Co-Chairs.

Anyone interested in making the commitment to participate in the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Committee should email: OSDS@nipissingu.ca.

Responsibilities of committee members include:Participation in committee meetings regarding the above initiatives;Review of relevant documents and procedural guidelines between committee meetings;Commitment to remain involved for the term of the policy and protocol development (projected minimum of four months).

In related news, Nipissing recently launched an updated website outlining the available options and resources available should someone need support following an assault or have safety concerns while on campus. This is part of a larger site aimed at helping students in crisis.