Belleville, Ontario, March 6, 2015 – Loyalist College applauds the Wynne government’s announcement today that it will act on the college sector’s recommendation to improve provincial help-line services for survivors of sexual assaults.
“It is clear in our consultations with students and others that Ontario’s emergency help-line services need to be improved,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Maureen Piercy. “The measures announced by the government today will help strengthen the support for survivors.”
Premier Kathleen Wynne publicly released today the government’s provincial action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment in Ontario. The plan includes measures to raise public awareness, improve training throughout the public sector and to improve safety on Ontario’s post-secondary campuses and in workplaces.
The plan includes new measures to address a request from college presidents for improvements to emergency help-line services to better support survivors throughout the province. The government’s action plan calls for existing help lines to be coordinated and integrated.
Ontario’s colleges are currently finalizing a stand-alone policy and protocol that will be publicized at each college by March 31. The colleges are consulting with students throughout the province and are grateful for the input and advice that is being received.
The college sector has also been consulting with the Ontario Women’s Directorate, government officials, OPSEU and others.
Building on existing policies and practices at the colleges, the document includes recommendations for promoting greater awareness at colleges and establishing a clear protocol for responding to cases of sexual assault and violence on college campuses. There is also information about protecting people’s privacy and the steps that should be taken if someone witnesses a sexual assault or has learned about a sexual assault.
The stand-alone policy and protocol at each college will enhance the provincial action plan and help ensure that Ontario’s colleges are safe and welcoming environments for students and everyone involved in college education.
“This continues to be a priority for us,” said President Piercy. “We will continue to work with students and others to ensure everyone’s rights are understood and survivors of sexual assault get effective and immediate help.”
About Loyalist College
Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Internationally renowned for its enriched student learning and living experiences, Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior success services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and more than 500 online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and the LEED® Silver certified Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Dianne Spencer
Executive Director, College Advancement & External Relations
Loyalist College
(613) 969-1913, ext. 2235
dspencer@loyalistc.on.ca