By Issey Abraha
Colleges Ontario has proposed a policy that will add a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims across all of Ontario’s colleges.
“This policy, across the entire college system, will help people who have experienced sexual assault or witnessed it to find the resources they need immediately, no matter which college they attend,” said Linda Franklin, CEO of Colleges Ontario.
The policy, supported by the presidents at all 24 colleges in Ontario, offers faster access to resources.
“Sexual assault requires us to be vigilant at all times and improve practices wherever we can,” Franklin said.
She said she also wants police to be able to share information about investigations.
The colleges will now take the next two months to develop policies for each school.
“It’s a good idea that they are looking out for student safety, if not it can be damaging to student well being,“ said Renesha Spence, Humber Business Administration student.
The province plans on taking the Ontario Colleges recommendations into consideration before it releases its own plan next month said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said Monday at Thorncliff Park pregnancy clinic.
Wynne said the need for a policy framework is long overdue.
The Ontario colleges want to work hand in-hand with the Premier’s office to make sure they can come to resolution for the safety of all students.
“We were hopeful that our work would contribute to the larger work that the Premier is doing for the province,” said Franklin.
Humber Students are ecstatic about the new polices that will be put in place hopefully by the next school year.
“ Its great what the colleges are doing, it gives more resources to students in need,” said Gabrille Ment, Humber Patient Support Worker student.