PEI

UPEI sexual violence policy part of ongoing discussion

The University of Prince Edward Island has passed its first policy on sexual violence after almost two years of consultation.

Policy came into effect Friday

New students explore the campus as part of tours so that they can learn more about their new campus home.
The policy applies to everyone using the UPEI campus. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

The University of Prince Edward Island has passed its first policy on sexual violence after almost two years of consultation.

The policy came into effect on Friday and applies to everyone who uses the university, including staff, students and the community.

The university community is continuing to discuss sexual violence, says Emma Drake. (CBC)

It outlines how to report sexual assault and defines terms such as consent and rape culture.

"We continue to have that conversation, how can we be better at addressing this issue?" said Emma Drake, vice president external and academic of the UPEI Student Union.

"The next step is looking at what can we do in terms of education and what can we do in terms of continuing that discussion to have that culture shift."

The university has also hired a sexual violence advisor to provide education around the policy, and to advise those who may have questions or concerns.

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With files from Isabella Zavarise