Principles of the Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence Released (PDAD&C #117)

After a year of diligent work and consultation, the Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence has submitted to me its principles to guide sexual violence education and prevention training for students, staff, and faculty on all three University of Toronto campuses. The principles are now available online here.

The Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence was struck in June 2016 as part of the University’s continuing Action Plan on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence. The Expert Panel had a mandate to develop principles to guide the development of evidence-based training and education related to sexual violence prevention; and to provide advice and guidance on updating the content and delivery of existing programs. This will assist us in meeting the mandate of Ontario’s Bill 132 that requires training on the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment for all members of the University community, including students, staff, faculty, contractors, and members of Governing Council.

I wish to thank the members of the Expert Panel and the Chair, Professor Gretchen Kerr, for their tireless efforts and for their service to the University over these past months. I also appreciate the engagement of the U of T community in the extensive consultations carried out by the Expert Panel. Faculty, staff, students, and others who expressed their views throughout this process feel confident that their experience, knowledge, and expertise have been considered in developing this excellent principles document.

The next steps in this initiative will involve the implementation of these principles through the creation of sexual violence education and prevention curricula and programming that meets the requirements set out by the Expert Panel. I encourage all members of the U of T community to stay involved in these activities in their own departments and through the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre.