Sexual Violence Prevention / en Student Voices on Sexual Violence survey now available for Թϱ students /news/student-voices-sexual-violence-survey-now-available-u-t-students <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Student Voices on Sexual Violence survey now available for Թϱ students</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-23-campus-resized_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=97mocSHe 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2018-02-23-campus-resized_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=_FrARwKp 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2018-02-23-campus-resized_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=CU8Hno2_ 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-23-campus-resized_0.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=97mocSHe" alt="Photo of campus"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>noreen.rasbach</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-02-26T00:00:00-05:00" title="Monday, February 26, 2018 - 00:00" class="datetime">Mon, 02/26/2018 - 00:00</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rachel-halpern" hreflang="en">Rachel Halpern</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-violence-prevention" hreflang="en">Sexual Violence Prevention</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"></span>Starting this week, full-time undergraduate students and all graduate students at the University of Toronto are being asked to complete the Student Voices on Sexual Violence survey.</p> <p>The&nbsp;survey is intended to provide information about how students perceive, understand and respond to sexual violence, as well as how institutions address sexual violence.</p> <p>CCI Research is administering this survey on behalf of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, colleges, private career colleges and universities in Ontario. The survey is available until March 26.</p> <p>“We encourage our students to participate in this important survey,” said&nbsp;<strong>Sandy Welsh</strong>, vice-provost, students. “The feedback we receive will help us better understand the experiences of our students and their needs and concerns. This will ultimately help us improve the university’s support services for our community.”</p> <p>Students will receive a personalized link to complete the 20-minute survey and a $5 electronic gift card as an incentive for completion. <a href="https://www.info-sv-vs.ca/">More information can be found at&nbsp;www.info-sv-vs.ca</a>. The results of this survey are expected to be made available later in 2018.</p> <p>The university’s&nbsp;Sexual Violence Climate Survey Advisory Board&nbsp;provided feedback on the survey and the protocol has been approved by the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board at Թϱ.</p> <p>“This is the first survey of its kind and we were happy to be part of the consultation process as it came together,” said Welsh. “This is also an important time to remind our community of the campus resources and supports available to them year-round.”</p> <p>Earlier this year, <a href="/news/u-t-releases-sexual-violence-education-and-prevention-training-all-members-university">the university implemented its sexual violence education and prevention training module</a>. All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to complete the training module. Instructions on how to access the module <a href="http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/committees/Working_Groups/SVactionplan.htm">are available at UofT.me/SVEPtraining</a> until the end of the semester.</p> <p>“This survey is another way we can gather feedback from our students, as we continue to build a culture of consent at the university,” said&nbsp;<strong>Terry McQuaid</strong>, executive director, Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support. “This initiative contributes to the university’s commitment that all of its community members should be able to study, work and live in a campus environment that is free from sexual violence.”</p> <h2>Accessing support at the University of Toronto:</h2> <p><a href="https://www.thesvpcentre.utoronto.ca/">The tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre</a> is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and by phone (416-978-2266).</p> <p>Downtown Toronto&nbsp;campus – 702 Spadina Ave.<br> Թϱ Mississauga – 3094G, Davis Building<br> Թϱ Scarborough – Room 141, Environmental Science &amp; Chemistry Building</p> <p>Those who have experienced sexual violence can also call Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222 (St. George and Թϱ Scarborough) or 905-569-4333 (Թϱ Mississauga).</p> <p>After-hours support is also available at Women's College Hospital Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (416-323-6040), Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre (416-495-2400), and Trillium Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre (905-848-7100).</p> <p><a href="http://ose.utsc.utoronto.ca/ose/story.php?id=9526&amp;sectid=1">Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre at Թϱ Scarborough</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/main-news/tri-campus-sexual-violence-prevention-support-centre-opens-u-t-mississauga">Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre at Թϱ Mississauga</a></p> <p align="center"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"></span></p> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:00:00 +0000 noreen.rasbach 130021 at Թϱ releases sexual violence education and prevention training for all members of the University /news/u-t-releases-sexual-violence-education-and-prevention-training-all-members-university <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Թϱ releases sexual violence education and prevention training for all members of the University</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-18-terry-mcquaid.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=VlmIWETU 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2018-02-18-terry-mcquaid.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=OUQC13ny 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2018-02-18-terry-mcquaid.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=_qBFbcxL 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2018-02-18-terry-mcquaid.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=VlmIWETU" alt="photo of Terry McQuaid"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>noreen.rasbach</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-01-18T10:35:16-05:00" title="Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 10:35" class="datetime">Thu, 01/18/2018 - 10:35</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Terry McQuaid is the executive director of Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support at Թϱ (photo by Johnny Guatto)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rachel-halpern" hreflang="en">Rachel Halpern</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-violence-prevention" hreflang="en">Sexual Violence Prevention</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto has released its sexual violence education and prevention training module for all students, staff, faculty and members of Governing Council.</p> <p>The online resource is part of the University’s commitment that all of its community members should be able to study, work and live in a campus environment that is free from sexual violence.</p> <p>“This training provides education for the University community on the prevention of and response to sexual violence,” Vice-President and Provost&nbsp;<strong>Cheryl Regehr&nbsp;</strong>said. “It is a continued part of the University’s action plan to address sexual violence on campus. We are grateful to all the students, staff and faculty on all three campuses who were part of the consultation process that helped us develop the module.”</p> <h2><strong>Accessing training</strong></h2> <p>Instructions on how to access the module can be found at <a href="http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/committees/Working_Groups/SVactionplan.htm">UofT.me/SVEPtraining</a> until the end of the semester.</p> <p>The University strongly recommends all students, staff and faculty complete the training module. It was developed in part from the principles submitted by the <a href="http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/committees/Working_Groups/SVactionplan/Education.htm">Expert Panel on the Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence</a>, chaired by Professor <strong>Gretchen Kerr</strong>, vice-dean, academic in the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education.</p> <h4><a href="/news/u-t-releases-guiding-principles-sexual-violence-education-and-prevention">Read Թϱ releases guiding principles for sexual violence education and prevention</a></h4> <p>“It’s important that everyone complete the training, so that we can all work together to create a culture of consent, and so that people are supported in a consistent manner when they come forward,” said <strong>Terry McQuaid</strong>, executive director, Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support.</p> <p>McQuaid said the training is designed to help members of the Թϱ community:</p> <ul> <li>Recognize sexual violence, including sexual harassment, as it is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment;</li> <li>Identify ways in which sexual violence affects members of the University community;</li> <li>Understand the difference between disclosing and reporting an incident of sexual violence as defined in the policy;</li> <li>Respond supportively to a disclosure of sexual violence; and</li> <li>Refer someone to the services of the University’s tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre.</li> </ul> <p>“We heard from our community that they’re looking for more support and a clear place to go – and that is what we developed with the tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre,” McQuaid said. “This new training module is the next step in making sure all members of our community understand how they can give or receive support, the role of the centre, and the range of supports available to them.”</p> <h2><strong>Accessing support</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and by phone (416-978-2266)</li> <li>St. George campus – 702 Spadina Ave.</li> <li>Թϱ Mississauga – 3094G, Davis Building</li> <li>Թϱ Scarborough – Room 141, Environmental Science &amp; Chemistry Building</li> </ul> <p>Those who have experienced sexual violence can also call Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222 (St. George and Թϱ Scarborough) or 905-569-4333 (Թϱ Mississauga). After-hours support is also available at Women's College Hospital Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (416-323-6040), Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre (416-495-2400), and Trillium Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre (905-848-7100).</p> <h4><a href="http://ose.utsc.utoronto.ca/ose/story.php?id=9526&amp;sectid=1">Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre at Թϱ Scarborough</a></h4> <h4><a href="http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/main-news/tri-campus-sexual-violence-prevention-support-centre-opens-u-t-mississauga">Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre at Թϱ Mississauga</a></h4> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:35:16 +0000 noreen.rasbach 127577 at Թϱ seeks feedback on new education and prevention initiatives about sexual violence /news/u-t-seeks-feedback-new-education-and-prevention-initiatives-about-sexual-violence <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Թϱ seeks feedback on new education and prevention initiatives about sexual violence</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-03-09-sexual-violence.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=NYxBlzOJ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2017-03-09-sexual-violence.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=EHZCT5_2 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2017-03-09-sexual-violence.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=hhp5Gatv 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2017-03-09-sexual-violence.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=NYxBlzOJ" alt="photo of hands at a computer keyboard"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2017-03-09T08:52:29-05:00" title="Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 08:52" class="datetime">Thu, 03/09/2017 - 08:52</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">A consultation website is available until April 10 to collect feedback online, and there will be three days of in-person consultation meetings in March on the new education and prevention initiatives about sexual violence (photo by Jason Krygier-Baum)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/provost" hreflang="en">Provost</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/hr-and-equity" hreflang="en">HR and Equity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-violence-prevention" hreflang="en">Sexual Violence Prevention</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Students, faculty and staff have an opportunity to provide feedback on the principles that will guide the university’s new education and prevention initiatives about sexual violence.</p> <p>The expert panel developing the guidelines will hold three days of in-person consultation meetings in March, with sessions on all three campuses. The day-long events will include two sessions for students and one each for faculty and staff. A <a href="https://forms.provost.utoronto.ca/svep-consultation/">consultation website</a> is also available until April 10 to collect feedback online, and panel members will be meeting with key student, staff and faculty groups in the coming weeks.</p> <h3><a href="https://forms.provost.utoronto.ca/svep-consultation/">&nbsp;Give your feedback online</a></h3> <p>“We want a collective community effort around prevention, which requires a broad education about why sexual violence occurs and how to prevent it,” said <strong>Gretchen Kerr,</strong> the vice-dean, academic (on administrative leave) in the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education, and chair of the Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence.</p> <p>University of Toronto Provost <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong> thanked all members of the panel.</p> <p>“These draft principles are the result of many hours of work,” Regehr said. “And this important work continues in this consultation phase.”</p> <p>The expert panel was created last year as part of Թϱ’s action plan to prevent and respond to sexual violence.&nbsp; At the centre of that response is a new <a href="/news/governing-council-approves-policy-sexual-violence-and-sexual-harassment">Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment</a>, which took effect in January. The policy applies to all members of the Թϱ community and sets up a centralized system for reporting and investigation.&nbsp;</p> <p>Under the new policy, a Tri-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre also is being set up on all three campuses&nbsp;with work expected to be completed this spring.&nbsp;Under the draft guidelines, the centre will take the lead in developing curricula and delivering training in consultation with members across the university.</p> <p>It's an opportunity for the centre to take the lead on implementing a comprehensive, consistent education and prevention program across the university, which can be adapted for local audiences said&nbsp;<strong>Terry McQuaid</strong>, Թϱ's executive director, personal safety, high risk, sexual violence prevention and support. A director of the tri-campus centre joined the university in January 02, 2017, some services are now being offered following up on referrals to the centre from various points in the university, and additional staffing will be in place by the spring, McQuaid said.</p> <p>“It’s important that our education and prevention efforts reflect the voices of our community and the expertise that our university has to offer,” said <strong>Kelly Hannah-Moffat</strong>, vice-president of human resources and equity. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The draft principles call for all members of the community to receive education on the contents of the university’s new policy, including the roles and responsibilities of those who witness or become aware of incidents or complaints of sexual violence.&nbsp; Additional training would be developed for student leaders and some faculty and staff including advisers, counsellors, campus police and senior administrators.</p> <p>The panel also recommends that some content become part of course curriculum.</p> <p>Kerr said such efforts could be included in discussions of classroom behaviour or could be a video shown in class.&nbsp; “We want to reach all students,” she said.</p> <p>The schedule for the three, in-person consultation days will run as follows:</p> <h3>Թϱ Scarborough – Wednesday, March 15 (all sessions in AA160 – UTSC Council Chamber)</h3> <p><strong>9:30-10:30 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong>staff session</p> <p><strong>11:00-12:00&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;student session</p> <p><strong>2:30-3:30 </strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;faculty session</p> <p><strong>4:00-5:00&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;student session</p> <h3>Թϱ Mississauga – Thursday, March 16 (all sessions in Deerfield Hall 3075)</h3> <p><strong>9:00-10:00</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; staff session</p> <p><strong>10:30-11:30&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;student session</p> <p><strong>12:30-1:30</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; student session</p> <p><strong>2:00-3:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; faculty session</p> <h3>Downtown Toronto campus – Monday, March 20 (all sessions in Governing Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall 2nd floor)</h3> <p><strong>10:00-11:00</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; staff session</p> <p><strong>11:30-12:30</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; student session</p> <p><strong>1:30-2:30&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; student session</p> <p><strong>3:00-4:00&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; faculty session</p> <p>Individuals who plan on attending a session and have any accessibility needs are asked to email <a href="mailto:provost@utoronto.ca">provost@utoronto.ca</a> to indicate any accommodations they may require.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 09 Mar 2017 13:52:29 +0000 lanthierj 105471 at Update on Թϱ’s policy on sexual violence and sexual harassment /news/update-u-t-policy-sexual-violence-and-sexual-harassment <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Update on Թϱ’s policy on sexual violence and sexual harassment</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-11-10-crest.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=gCRKewQ0 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2016-11-10-crest.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Ry_vNX5A 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2016-11-10-crest.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Fb4p3Q6h 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-11-10-crest.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=gCRKewQ0" alt="photo of stone crest"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-11-16T07:47:01-05:00" title="Wednesday, November 16, 2016 - 07:47" class="datetime">Wed, 11/16/2016 - 07:47</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/provost" hreflang="en">Provost</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-violence-prevention" hreflang="en">Sexual Violence Prevention</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A final draft of the University of Toronto’s new policy on sexual violence and sexual harassment is headed to governance to be considered for approval – with changes that reflect feedback received during the final round of consultations.</p> <p>“This new policy puts the University in a stronger position to effectively address the challenge of sexual violence on our campuses,” said Vice-President and Provost <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong>.</p> <p>“We heard a lot of very thoughtful comments from diverse and sometimes opposing points of view,” Regehr said. “We have tried to strike a balance with this policy, and I think the feedback shows we achieved that.”</p> <p>The new policy will go through governance beginning this&nbsp;week and will go to Governing Council in December for final approval. It will apply to all members of the Թϱ community and gives everyone – students, faculty and staff – access to the same supports and services.&nbsp;</p> <p>“It’s important that we provide a safe working and learning environment for our faculty, staff&nbsp;and students where everyone is treated with respect,” said <strong>Kelly Hannah-Moffat,</strong> vice-president of human resources and equity. &nbsp;</p> <p>An earlier draft of the policy was released in September.</p> <h3><a href="/news/sexual-violence-policy">Read about the draft</a></h3> <p>In response to feedback, this final proposed policy emphasizes the supports available at various stages of the process and includes a strengthened commitment to due process and procedural fairness. Details about the investigation process also were added and expectations about confidentiality and its limits were described in more detail. The term sexual harassment has been added to the title to reflect the scope of the policy. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Creating the new policy is one of several actions Թϱ is taking to improve its response to sexual violence. It follows 18 months of consultations and research, including the advice of an expert panel that delivered its recommendations in August.</p> <h3><a href="/news/expert-panel-sexual-violence-recommends-one-set-procedures-all-members-u-t-community">Read about the recommendations</a></h3> <p>Provincial law requires that all universities and colleges in the province have a policy on sexual violence in place by January 2017.&nbsp;</p> <p>The changes set to take effect next year at Թϱ will apply to all incidents between members of the community whether they take place on or off campus or online.&nbsp;</p> <p>The new policy aims to reduce the barriers to disclosure and reporting by minimizing the number of times complainants are asked to tell their story and maintaining as much confidentiality as possible.&nbsp;</p> <p>It makes a clear distinction between disclosing an incident and making a formal report, and there is no requirement to make a report in order to access support as well as academic, employment and other accommodations. Informal resolution or mediation is only possible under the policy with the agreement of both parties and cannot involve face-to-face meetings between the complainant and the respondent.</p> <p>Central to the new policy is the creation of a Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, which will have a presence on all three campuses by January. The centre will manage the process for reporting sexual violence and sexual harassment and will offer support for those who disclose an incident, whether or not they choose to report it. It also will provide training and education and will be the first point of contact for those who want accommodations. &nbsp;</p> <h3><a href="/news/u-t-announces-centre-sexual-violence-support-and-education">Read more about the Centre</a></h3> <p>The policy is part of <a href="/news/update-u-t-s-action-plan-sexual-violence-prevention-and-support">Թϱ’s action plan to prevent and respond to sexual violence</a>. As part of that plan, two other expert panels will offer advice. An expert panel on education and prevention activities is conducting specialized consultation with student leaders and staff and will begin broad consultations this winter. The Sexual Violence Climate Survey Advisory Board, chaired by Professor <strong>Sandy Welsh</strong>, is following the survey development work of the the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and its plans for a university sector climate survey.</p> <p>The university also has hired an Executive Director, Personal Safety, High Risk &amp; Sexual Violence Prevention and Support, who will oversee sexual violence prevention and response initiatives, and take the lead on community safety and high-risk matters.</p> <h3><a href="/news/executive-director-personal-safety">Read more about the executive director</a></h3> <p>“We look forward to continuing our efforts in this area as we begin the hard work of implementing the changes so many have helped to shape,” Regehr said.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 16 Nov 2016 12:47:01 +0000 lanthierj 102395 at Executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support: Terry McQuaid /news/executive-director-personal-safety <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support: Terry McQuaid</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-09-27-Terry-McQuaid-%286%29.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=BD9bYW8w 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2016-09-27-Terry-McQuaid-%286%29.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=T3BDFhWG 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2016-09-27-Terry-McQuaid-%286%29.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=p4aFykKx 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2016-09-27-Terry-McQuaid-%286%29.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=BD9bYW8w" alt="photo of Terry McQuaid"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2016-09-28T13:04:19-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 28, 2016 - 13:04" class="datetime">Wed, 09/28/2016 - 13:04</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Terry McQuaid joins the university on October 11 (photo by Johnny Guatto)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/provost" hreflang="en">Provost</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/hr-and-equity" hreflang="en">HR and Equity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/safety" hreflang="en">safety</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-violence-prevention" hreflang="en">Sexual Violence Prevention</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/support" hreflang="en">Support</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>It’s the latest step in the University of Toronto’s efforts to improve and integrate support for those affected by sexual violence: filling a key new post to lead the initiative on all three campuses.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Terry McQuaid</strong> is joining Թϱ in the newly created role of executive director, personal safety, high risk and sexual violence prevention and support.</p> <p>“The University of Toronto is taking a leadership role in looking at safety more broadly – considering threats, safe spaces and addressing issues of sexual violence,” Provost <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong> said. “We are excited to welcome Terry. Her varied background and her skills make her ideal for this role.”</p> <p>McQuaid comes from Seneca College, where she was the director of counselling and accessibility services for the past four years. She begins her new job Oct. 11.</p> <p>The new role, created earlier this year in response to <a href="/news/sexual-violence-will-not-be-tolerated-our-campuses">advice from an expert committee</a>, is the latest in a series of actions taken by the university to address sexual violence. It comes as the university considers a new draft policy on sexual violence that includes a centralized system to access support and for reporting and investigating all complaints.&nbsp;</p> <p>The new executive director post is central to those changes, Regehr said, along with <a href="/news/u-t-announces-centre-sexual-violence-support-and-education">plans for a new Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre</a>, which will have a presence on all three campuses by January.</p> <p>Halifax-born McQuaid, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, has worked as a counsellor, psychotherapist, and clinical psychologist. She takes her new job at a time when sexual violence on campuses across North America is gaining increasing attention.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here in Ontario, new legislation requires that all post-secondary campuses have a sexual violence policy in place by January of 2017.</p> <p>“This is a pivotal time” McQuaid said, noting that the changes at Թϱ are a result of more than two years of work and consultations.&nbsp;</p> <p>“That speaks volumes to the commitment of the university,” McQuaid said. “It is top of mind for the leadership. I think that is amazing.”</p> <p>McQuaid said she has much to learn from Թϱ staff and plans to build on and enhance existing services.</p> <p>“We need to provide support to a very diverse group of vulnerable people and help them navigate systems to get the support and services they need,” she said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Թϱ also has named<strong> Laura Bradbury</strong> as the new director of the Office of Safety &amp; High Risk under a one-year secondment. Bradbury has been the manager of the Community Safety Office at the university since 2008. In her new role she will report to the new executive director and work closely with the vice-president of&nbsp;Human Resources &amp; Equity, the vice- provost of&nbsp;Students, and the vice-provost of&nbsp;Faculty &amp; Academic Life.</p> <p>The university is also recruiting a director for the new Sexual Violence Prevention &amp; Support Centre.</p> <h3><a href="http://www.hrandequity.utoronto.ca/news/staffing-announcement-personal-safety-high-risk-sexual-violence-prevention-support/">Read more&nbsp;at Human Resources &amp; Equity</a></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 28 Sep 2016 17:04:19 +0000 lanthierj 101221 at