By Laura Brookes
B.C. has launched a renewed awareness campaign to help keep students safe from sexual violence.
Timed to coincide with back-to-class Frost Week 2020 activities, the campaign reminds students that sex without consent is rape, and that consent must be voluntary or else it is assault.
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Melanie Mark, says there is no place for sexual violence on campus or in the community.
"Our government is responding to a call to action from students to ensure that our campuses are safer for everyone, regardless of gender expression, identity or sexual orientation. Any form of sexual violence or misconduct will not be tolerated. Frost Week is a time when students gather to socialize and have fun. It's a good opportunity for renewed dialogue about what constitutes sexual violence and misconduct, and personal responsibilities and choices."
The province-wide campaign will engage students where they are most likely to see it - on digital platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
This follows a $760,000 investment from the province in June 2019, which helped to support a number of initiatives including a review of policies and processes regarding sexual violence and misconduct.
All 25 of B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions are required to have sexual violence and misconduct policies. The Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act also requires institutions to make their policies publicly available. Provincial regulations require private institutions with student residences to have policies in place.
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