May Is Sexual Assault Prevention Month

May is sexual assault prevention month and Fanshawe College is taking this opportunity to recognize the importance of sexual assault prevention among women.  

The month of May reminds us that we each have a role to play in modeling respectful behaviour toward others. Sexual assault is a violent crime, not something simply undesirable or unfortunate; it is a violation of women's rights. Sexual assault extends beyond sexual harassment, and is the actual unwanted threat of, or forced sexual contact without consent.    

Gender inequality is known as the root cause against violence against women. Talking about the root causes of sexual violence against women is an important step in addressing this serious social issue; hence it's importance to expose the topic to change attitudes and behaviours.

In Ontario alone, the statistics on sexual assault are shocking.  Fifty percent of all Canadian women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime and most are under the age of 25.  As a result, 80 percent of the victims know the accused and only 6 percent of cases are reported. A staggering 38 percent of women and girls are sexually assaulted by their husbands or boyfriends. Eighteen percent of sexual assault victims are men.

Women's personal safety is paramount. Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) is a self-defence course for women on campus that offers safety education and basic hands-on defensive training. Visit http://www.fanshawewsa.com for more information on this proactive approach to Women's Safety Awareness from Fanshawe College.

Fanshawe College has in place the Safe College Campus Policy, which indicates the College is committed to enforcing a safe College campus environment free from violence.  If you are a victim of sexual assault on campus, report it immediately to the College Emergency Line at ext. 4242 (London campus).  At area campuses, please call 911. Following your call to 911, please call 519-452-4242 to notify Campus Security Services.

For more information about sexual assault and other women's issues, please visit www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd.