Fanshawe College is taking steps to make sure it properly handles situations involving sexual assault and sexual violence.
The college says it has finalized its policy and protocol on sexual assault and sexual violence. It can be viewed on the Fanshawe College website.
“It’s essential that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities and that campus safety continues to be a priority,” says Fanshawe President Peter Devlin. “Our new policy will help raise awareness to prevent sexual assaults and sexual violence and ensure effective supports are available.”
The new policy builds on what the college already had in place. According to a statement from the college, it "provides definitions of sexual assault and sexual violence, sets clear standards for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence, and establishes clear processes for complaints and investigations."
Fanshawe says the policy also makes sure the confidentiality of people reporting assaults is maintained, and that they are protected from reprisals or retaliation.
“We are grateful to our students and to everyone who has helped finalize our new policy and protocol,” says Devlin. “It’s essential that we continue working together to raise awareness about sexual violence and the role we can all play in preventing it.”