Brandon University responds to reported sexual assault

Brandon University has been and remains significantly concerned by the reported sexual assault on campus in September 2015. Brandon University used a Student Behavioural Contract, which we now recognize to be inappropriate in this case. We are reviewing the use of Student Behavioural Contracts under any circumstance and will no longer be using them in the case of sexual assault, sexual violence or sexual harassment.

In all cases of sexual assault, sexual violence or sexual harassment, Brandon University immediately encourages survivors to seek medical attention, to report to police, and to make use of community and university resources. In all cases, we help survivors to seek the appropriate support and assistance. Support continues for as long as the student requires and wants.

We take sexual assault, sexual violence and sexual harassment seriously, we acknowledge that it can and does happen in society and here at Brandon University. We have already started bystander training and other training, and will continue to expand this. We realize that we have much work in front of us as an institution and a society to further encourage reporting, to support survivors, and to reduce all incidences of sexual violence, assault and harassment.

We want survivors to never feel silenced. We encourage reporting in all cases.

A sexual violence, assault and harassment advisory committee, with strong representation from students as well as faculty, staff and community experts, has been in development and its work is getting underway. With consultation across the university community, and taking into account new provincial legislation, the committee is tasked with producing appropriate new standalone policy and protocols. This work will be ready for additional consultation with the campus community and external partners in September 2016.

In all cases of reported sexual assault we establish a response team, engaging with external help, to plan support, and to ensure students’ safety, health and welfare are addressed. Following the mid-September 2015 reported sexual assault, a task force was established to look at our response, with our first priority being the care and support of the survivor. Among its recommendations is ending the use of Student Behavioural Contracts and making available student advocates to assist survivors throughout the process. The advisory committee will also use these task force recommendations to inform the policy and protocol that the committee is developing.

Task Force on Sexual Violence Recommendations

We hear, understand and appreciate the concerns of those who have contacted us. We will be engaging further with students during events and activities pertaining to sexual violence, assault and harassment. We are soliciting your feedback and opinions. Email the Sexual Violence, Assault and Harassment (SVAH) advisory committee at SVAH@brandonu.ca

We always encourage anyone affected by sexual assault, violence or harassment to contact our university counselling services or a community resource:

University Resources:

• Student Services Counsellors: 204-727-9737
• Campus Security: 204-727-9700
• Residence Assistant: 204-724-2263

Community Resources:

• Police – General: 204-729-2345 at 1020 Victoria Ave
• Police – Emergency: 911
• Mobile Crisis Unit 24hr help line: 204-725-4411
• Brandon Regional Health Centre – emergency room at 150 McTavish Ave. East
• YWCA Westman Women’s Shelter (24 hour crisis line): 204-727-3644
• Klinic 24 Hours Crisis Line: 1- 888-292-7565
• Klinic Manitoba Farm & Rural Support Services Stress Line: 1-866-367-3276
• The Women’s Resource Centre (domestic and intimate partner violence): 1-866-255-4432, or 204-726-8632 at 731 Princess Avenue

Brandon University puts the safety and wellbeing of our students first.

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