Sexual Violence Policy in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions

Abstract

Post-secondary institutions are high-risk communities for sexual violence. While sexual violence has always been present within these institutions, it is only more recently that the crime of sexual violence and its concerning physical and psychological impacts have merited closer attention from media. This media attention has resulted in a public outcry, and, in response to this outcry, many post-secondary institutions have been pressured to create and implement stand-alone sexual violence policies. However, other existing post-secondary policies already state that different forms of sexual violence are unacceptable forms of behaviour. In other words, these stand-alone policies do not address any type of new or different prohibited conduct.

This presentation discusses a proposal for a research study and thesis project that will examine why resources, such as time and funding, are being used to create stand-alone sexual violence policies. The overall goal of this study is to determine the extent to which these policies add or contribute to the policy and legislative context.

Discipline: Sociology (Honours)

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amanda Nelund