Winnipeg students say Donald Trump comments promote rape culture
CBC News | Posted: October 14, 2016 12:18 AM | Last Updated: October 14, 2016
'It's very concerning,' says University of Manitoba Student Union president
Controversial comments made by U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump about groping and harassing women have some students concerned it could promote rape culture on campus.
CBC asked Winnipeg women for their thoughts on the leaked video of Trump that surfaced last week showing him and entertainment reporter, Billy Bush, engaging in a lewd conversation about women.
Trump suggested that because he's a star he could grab women's genitals and "do anything" to them.
University of Manitoba student Samantha Navarro said she's been hearing many guys laughing about the Trump comments on campus.
"Just like walking past other people, guys will like joke about it and women do take this seriously," she said.
Navarro said Trump's comments are "disgusting" and worries they may promote sexual harassment against women, something she has experienced many times.
If Trump can do it, I can too
University student Denise Mugosa said she's also concerned about Trump's comments adding she's been groped in bars, and has witnessed other incidents of sexual violence towards young women.
"It happens mostly at the club, like at a party, and I'll just be walking by and someone will grab my ass," Mugosa said.
"I don't try to make a big deal I just walk away because I feel like if I turned around and be like 'Hey what was that?' It's usually a huge guy, like, what if he punches me?"
Mugosa believes Trump's comments could influence more young men to think it's okay to touch women without their consent.
"I mean it's obviously going to encourage them to do it more cause they're like, 'Oh Donald Trump did this so I can do it too.'" said Mugosa.
"I think women should be concerned if this is someone that's in a potential place to run a country. It's very concerning," said Tanjit Nagra, president of the University of Manitoba Student Union.
Nagra said the university has adopted a consent culture campaign which raises awareness about sex assaults on campus.
"We have those conversations, we talk about what's appropriate and what's not," Nagra said.
Tammy Junghans is a student at the University of Manitoba who also runs a student based group called Red Frogs which encourages young people to make positive life choices.
She says the group attends socials on campus where alcohol can play a role in sexual violence.
"All the time we're hearing stories like this about unwanted advances," Junghans said.
"We are in alcohol fuelled environments where we see a lot of predatory behaviour, in fact, I was able to intervene on attempted sexual assault at one of our socials."
"Sexual assault on campus is a discussion we've had for a very long time," said Dara Hallock, vice president of UMSU.
Hallock said the student union has seen an increase in requests to hold more workshops and awareness campaigns about consent and sexual assault.