News

Addressing sexual violence

Message from the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Prof. Christopher Manfredi
Published: 25 February 2017

Media reports of events involving an executive of one of McGill's student associations have raised questions from some members of the community about whether the University’s Policy against Sexual Violence, approved by Senate and Board last fall, applies to members of student societies. This Policy was drafted with the deliberate intention of applying universally across the University. Indeed, section 1 of the Policy makes clear that it applies to "all Members of the University Community," which includes faculty, staff, and students. It, and the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, therefore apply to students who hold positions within governance bodies of student associations and conduct themselves in a way that constitutes sexual violence.

McGill University condemns all acts of violence, and reaffirms its staunch commitment “to creating and sustaining a safe environment through proactive, visible, accessible and effective approaches that seek to prevent and respond to Sexual Violence,” as expressly stated in our Policy. The University is continuing its efforts in relation to sexual violence awareness and education, and I stress that reports of sexual violence are taken seriously and duly investigated in accordance with applicable University regulations and policies. In this respect, McGill is guided by three core principles: ensuring support and respect for survivors, protecting confidentiality of the parties, and safeguarding procedural fairness.

Let me close by thanking you for your collaboration in the ongoing, critical work of addressing sexual violence. 

Prof. Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)

Resources:

McGill’s Office of Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education
Bianca Tétrault, t.s., Liaison Officer, Harm Reduction
Tel: 514.398.3796 bianca.tetrault [at] mcgill.ca
Emilie Marcotte, M.S.W.,  Sexual Violence Response Advisor
Tel: 514.398.4486 emilie.marcotte [at] mcgill.ca
McGill Support Resources: https://www.mcgill.ca/saap/support-resources 

Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS)
514.398.8500
http://www.sacomss.org/wp/

McGill Counselling and Mental Health Services
514.398.3601 (Downtown) 514.398.7992 (Macdonald Campus)
https://www.mcgill.ca/mentalhealth/home

McGill Student Health Services
514.398.6017 (Downtown) 514.398.7991 (Macdonald Campus)
https://www.mcgill.ca/studenthealth/healthservices

McGill Employee Assistance Program (for all McGill employees)
514.843.7009 or 1.800.567.2433
https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/bp/benefits/health-and-wellbeing/employee-assistance-program-eap

Montreal Sexual Assault Centre
24/7 helpline: 514.934.45041.800.933.9007

 

 

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