Humber College applauds commitment to improve help-line services for sexual assaults

TORONTO, March 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Humber 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 has been clear in our consultations with students and others that Ontario's emergency help-line services need to be improved," said Jason Hunter, vice-president, Student and Community Engagement. "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 postsecondary 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 have been consulting with students throughout the province and are grateful for the input and advice that has been 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 Hunter. "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 Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Established in 1967, Humber is one of Canada's leading postsecondary institutions. Committed to student success through excellence in teaching and learning, Humber serves 27,000 full-time students and 56,000 continuing education registrants. With an internationally recognized reputation for quality learning, Humber offers a wide-range of career-focused opportunities for students to personalize their educational path, including 150 full-time programs across more than 40 fields of study, 200 part-time and 400 online programs or courses. More than four out of five of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.

SOURCE Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

and to arrange interviews, please contact: Nadia Araujo, 416.675.6622 ext. 5479, [email protected]; Andrew Leopold, 416.675.6622 ext. 4296, [email protected]