Acadia University has released a significantly revised policy to tackle sexualized violence. The 36-page document outlines definitions, processes and rights, including education and preventative measures around consent and rape culture. It replaces an eight-page policy implemented in 2019.

“Acadia University does not tolerate sexualized violence,” says James Sanford, Executive Director of Student Services. “The new policy demonstrates our commitment to that. We want everyone who comes forward with a disclosure that may lead to a complaint to know they will be supported and that their choices are prioritized when it comes to services and reporting methods.

He explains that the updated policy on sexualized violence results from an extensive effort by Acadia’s Sexual Health Process and Procedures Committee, formed in response to a memorandum of understanding between the Province of Nova Scotia and its universities, as well as a commitment to the CONSUP (Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents) Changing the Culture of Acceptance Report recommendations.

In 2016, the Province of Nova Scotia and its universities formed a Sexual Violence Prevention Committee to make recommendations. The resulting report included ten recommendations in 2017, including each institution having a standalone policy to address sexual violence.

Acadia assembled a Sexualized Violence Policy and Procedures Committee to amend Acadia’s existing sexualized violence policy. Central to the new policy was creating a dedicated position of a Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator. The University Equity Officer currently provides that support, and a full-time position has been created and is expected to start in early 2021.

“I am proud to be a part of the committee, which has worked incredibly hard to create a policy that is truly and finally to the benefit of students,” says Cameron Smith, an Acadia student and Coordinator of the Acadia Mental Health Initative. “This policy is a major step for us to be able to keep students educated, aware, and safe. Sexualized violence is a systemic problem, but I believe this policy marks real progress towards us creating a new and better system for everyone at Acadia.”

The Acadia University Sexualized Violence Policy applies to all university community members, visitors, and contract employees, and its scope includes University property, events, and university-related travel. It does not negate or impede an individual’s right to pursue action through legal means.

“The policy is meant to provide an overarching framework to everyone in our community who has been a victim of sexualized violence, those accused, witnesses, and people supporting a person in the process,” says Sanford. He adds that if complainants or respondents are not students, other policies such as Acadia’s Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination may precede.

What is Sexualized Violence?

Sexualized violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act (touching, verbal, and physical intimidation) directed against a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression, using coercion, force, or threat of force, by any person regardless of their relationship to the complainant in any setting. Sexualized violence may include sexual assault (including sexual activity when the complainant is under the influence of alcohol or drugs), sexual harassment, sexual cyber-bullying, stalking, indecent exposure, threats, voyeurism, withholding of contraceptive use without the complainant’s knowledge or consent, and sexual exploitation.

Facts about Sexual Assaults

Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any gender and can be perpetrated by anyone of any gender. However, sexual assault is considered a “gendered crime” because statistics show that it affects women and trans people at disproportionate rates.

Canadian crime statistics show that women make up 80% of reported victims of sexual assault, and men make up 94% of perpetrators of sexual assault.

• 1 in 3 women will experience sexual assault in her lifetime
• 1 in 4 women will experience sexual assault during her time as a post-secondary student
• There are no stats for men on campuses, but 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault before 18.
• When studies pay attention to trans and non-conforming gender identities, they show that 1 in 3 trans and non-conforming students will experience sexual assault during their time as a post-secondary student.
• 50% of sexual assaults on campuses involve alcohol. Many occur in the first eight weeks of school known as the “red zone.” 

Learn more

Visit the website: About Sexualized Violence

Visit the website: Help and Support