7.4 University Policies on Sexual Violence
Policy 42: Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence:
This Policy establishes the University’s commitment to the awareness and prevention of sexual violence, and to having a process for addressing complaints of sexual violence committed by students. The Policy can be accessed here Policy 42.
The Sexual Violence Response Protocol and Procedures (linked to in Policy 42) provides further elaboration about the University complaints process, and resources available to anyone involved in the process.
The Origins of Policy 42
In 2015, the Province of Ontario implemented the “It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment” (Bill 132), which included amending the Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities Act requiring all colleges and universities to have a stand-alone sexual violence policy for students. At UW, this translated into the development and implementation of Policy 42.
You can find out more about this legislation from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Jurisdiction and scope of Policy 42
With respect to the adjudication of Complaints made via Policy 42, the scope includes incidents of Sexual Violence, where:
- The Respondent (person alleged to have caused harm) is a University of Waterloo student, and:
- incidents which take place on University land and premises either rented or owned; or
- incidents where University-owned or run property or equipment has been used including, but not limited to, telephones, computers and computer networks; or
- incidents that occur off campus when the incident is part of a University of Waterloo course or organized class activity; when the incident is part of a University of Waterloo event that has been defined as such; or when the likely consequences of the incident may adversely affect the Complainant’s course of learning, teaching, work, or living at the University.
Policy 33: Ethical Behavior
Sexually violent harm, including sexual harassment, committed by employees falls under Policy 33. This policy defines sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination, as well as the process for addressing concerns, and the on-campus resources available for guidance and support. The Policy can be accessed here: Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour.
Note: Employees should also refer to any other relevant policies of their department/institution, for example, at the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of UW.