Post-secondary students across B.C. are going to start seeing targeted digital ads reminding them sex without consent is assault.
The province has launched a renewed awareness campaign to help keep students safe from sexual violence as students head back-to-class for 2020 in what is known as ‘frost week.' The campaign is also aimed at students both on campus and in the community.
As with previous campaigns, it will feature social media ads reminding students that sex without consent is rape and that consent must be voluntary — otherwise it is assault.
"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," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training in a press release.
"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 including Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.
In June 2019, the province announced $760,000 to support a number of initiatives, including a plain-language review of policies and processes regarding sexual violence and misconduct to ensure they are clear and easy to understand.
The funding is also being used to co-ordinate resources, so that post-secondary institutions can learn from each other, share best practices and access training resources.
All of 25 of B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions, including Thompson Rivers University (in Kamloops) and the University of Northern B.C. (in Prince George), 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 and provincial regulations also require private institutions with student residences to have policies in place.
You can learn more online at Safe Campuses B.C.
