Release of the Student’s Companion to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (PDAD&C #52)

The University’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment came into effect on January 1, 2017 and applies to all students, staff and faculty. The Policy outlines the University’s response to incidents of sexual violence involving members of the University community, as well as supports for those who have experienced sexual violence. The Policy is an important component of the University’s commitment that all members of the University community should have the ability to study, work and live in a campus environment free from sexual violence, including sexual harassment.

In order to create awareness about the Policy and to increase the understanding and accessibility of its content, the University is releasing the Student’s Companion to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. Modelled on a similar document for the Code of Student Conduct, the purpose of the Student’s Companion is to help students and those who work with students understand and navigate the Policy, as well as to address frequently asked questions about the Policy and the procedures surrounding it.

The University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre is a primary resource on campus for students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual violence or who have questions about sexual violence and the processes supporting the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. An online training module is also available through Quercus for those who wish to learn more about the Policy.

The University is committed to addressing sexual violence on campus, including enhancing education efforts aimed at prevention and improving access to supports for those who have experienced sexual violence. Any questions about the Student’s Companion or its content can be sent to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre at svpscentre@utoronto.ca.