Sexual assault at Thompson Rivers University"Maybe you would be better suited to a different school.” the counsellor’s words echoed in my head. | am sitting across ‘rom a counsellor during my first and only counselling appointment at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops 3.C, after revealing that | had been sexually assaulted. had just explained my frustrations at school, how difficult it was for me to be in class with my attackers everyday, live nia dorm where they partied every weekend and see them all over the campus. After my assault | was struggling to feel safe on campus, my grades had started to slip and my social life was non existent. Maybe | am suited to a different university, I thought as | left. 3y the next semester | had completely withdrawn, dropping down to two classes which | rarely attended and moving rome. am nt alone. Canaan media hasbeen abuzz fer months clscussng sens assauton univers campuses. rom *Universiy of Toront studert who saysher counsellor made her lame herself oThe Univers of ish ‘umbias on campus attacks anda Ph student who doesn fel af etuning ta York Unkarsty while herThe CBC recently completed an vestigation inte reports of sexual assault on universiy campuses across the ‘oun ofthe 98n Canada, 87 were contacted and 77 responded with results. The average numberof assaults “eported per university was seven even though its estimated that there are 509860 sexual assaults n Canada very year. OF the 78 schools that responded, oly ten have policies place to handle the report ofa sexual assault. “RUis nat ane of them. Unik the United States, Canada aes not require universities to be open about the umber of aszaults thet occur on campus ‘veh so few assauits being reported tis lear that there la elscrepancy between whats being reported snivestes and what is actually occurring on campuses And mary universities ae struggling to explain this siference 8G for example, made headlines because of the diference between their number for assaults on campus (16) and ‘ne ROMP dea for the ommpus (70). |thinktases the question as to the validly ofthat (data. think it ves us something to thnk about. We havent sone down the avenue of looking at RCMP data” said Lousie Cowiry UBC Vice President of Students sidin an terview with the CRC anjan 23,2015, ‘nd UBC is wery similar to other school in this failure to have an accurate reporting rato.My STORY came to TRU with lotic bofind and my best gird of sikyears flo excement and hope for he future thin my est thee months of unversiy had Been sexual assaulted wie bythen ends. ath tines ‘wae saber and wih peopl that liase, This isnot an uncommon experiance, Statics Canada repartthat at eas 80 por cont of azsalres re amily or fends othe vic. ‘Wine tol my best Mend atthe imesh tad me to dessesssaty™ Some people might say things he my en dd ae that she was core But thats blaming he vit forthe _actons of thers. Under no craumstace|s sen lence justified or acceptable, andro matter what somebody ‘say they ace never ‘asking fr desering of assault bythe end ofthat first semester was ing in my om everynight, nd evenly moved may for he remainder oftheshcalyase | personaly reached ut oo school count in tha fit semester a TRU he same semester he ssl ‘cure, Described what happened etal and was offered rthig but hp to transer schoo Instead of offering me help In reporrgit and ying gluse, was sugested transfer to Queen's or Cretor-any ney that was not TRL, Instead of dating with he actual problem at han they fered o help me fillet forms to lp meleave the ‘schoo. Instead of fering me another counseling appointment to work through hessus this ad created forme, as setup with an academic counselor to draseimy net scheel and leave TRUIn my pas. as never presented ‘nthe option of presing charges or even fered Student and ual Aas. AL he tne was ton aa my attackers wo wer alstl on campus to speak out and seok these resources mse RELATED STORIES Why do Assaults go Unreported? Wy woul avin of such an awful cme not report ito the ple? The Department fuse reported “twas not deemed tobe important enough 50) as considered o bea personal mater (50), o¢ ‘hey it not met the ple immed 47} One third (G2) of vith drat epot eta the pce ‘aul not do aything about & and approximately ‘one th 184) beeved hat the poe would not alp ther, Another th (198) fhe vets of seu assole rot report the nckento pole becase ‘hay fanred revnge bythe offender and 1 sua 1 ae pully regarding the indent” Women's Stories of Assault: Wen was contuctinginceriews of women for this arc many tld me deeply personal stor about ‘thei expeiences with senaa assault Glow are tee oftheir stories marae They deserbe the eer antseal instead of offering me another counseling appointment to work thvough the issues this had cested fore, | up wth an academic counselor to choose my next choo and leave TRUin my past was never resented with he option af pressing charges or even referred a Studer and ual Maes. tthe tie was ta aa fy attackers (wo were al sill on campus] to speak ot and seek these resources myself | ws chy enough o havea supportive relationship and fami, he ability to move away fora period af time, an the rangi o keep moving forward. as abl to tay at TAU ad find a place and grupvcommunity where el mostly comfortable, Toth ay sllve infer of waking down the halls, shopping at Superstore or gong out ona Saturday night because might see my attackers, some of whom ae silin Kamloops and at TRU. rarely have even one drink with ry fdands because thatcn happen sober what could happen wae intoncaed? Now often experience cotertimes cripling anny in crowded places. One of my assalters as since become quite wellknown and easy recogpined hich makes me even noe erful ef locking ke just watt capitalize an his fame or damage his Buti can reach outs a unlersty counsel for hep and be toto look nto transfering schools then TRU has fae at resting the safe space they say exis “When I told my best friend (at Women's Stories of Assault: nen 1s conducting interviews of women fo tis ate, may told me ceeply personal stories about theirexperiences with semal assault Seow are thee of thar stviesnareated. Tey describe the fear and frustration one experiences they experience an“When I told my best friend (at the time) she told me to dress “less slutty”.” Prot yan song trout what constiitesasault TRUS socalled Supports for students are aling hugely.\ queen student, Tess Have, whe was asad in her fst yeor at Queers described haw she had thee \eanwhie, 273 year ald student om the Univers of Saskatchewan, ene, had her mother report her atack to Lena Spanks © Foon eg etenasaris | support @feministcutture because Its "okay" for women to be sexualized by media but the second a women sexualizes hersetf ts "shameful". ren Agana lence Against Women Kamloops Sexual Asaut Counseling CentreHalley Zorrozua ten ororozue ‘#RapeCuiturelsWhen my friend said, "Maybe they thought that you wanted i" after | was drugged and raped by two men, #YesAllWomen newer tenor oa ‘Teal Proud Feminist oe @Equahightssalt Because when girls go to college they're buying pepper spray and rape whistles while guys are buying condoms. #YesAllWomen #tyouoksis| 1247 PM-3Agr2018 ‘Monewests amravonres aa Coote he Author, Jean tron Jansing} @emaltcom Jeanbstrongeebly.com satu mages Protea Turect Design: ala Th‘WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT? ‘To completely understand how widespread this problem is, we must frst understand what is meant by the term ‘sexual assault. In Canada sexval assault Is defined as “al Incidents of unwanted sexual actity, Including soxual attacks and sexual touching In the criminal code itis broken down into three levels: Sexual assault level Integrity ofthe vet is violated. Level 1 involves minor physical injuries or no injuries to the viet, assault committed in circumstances ofa sexval nature such thatthe sexual Sexual assault level 2: Sexual assault with a weapon, threats, or causing bodily harm. Aggravated sexual assault level 3: Sexual assault that results in wounding, maiming, disfiguring or ‘endangering the life ofthe victim, In British Columbia, 3225 sexual assaults were reported in 2012 and 3,238 were reported in 2013, While this ‘number might seem low for a province of 4.61 milion people, sexual assaults are also known for being dramatically Uunder-reported. A 2012 survey found that fewer than 10 per cent of sexual assaults are reported to the polic. LESS THAN 10% of sexual assaults are reported to the policeIn an estimated 80 per cent of assaults the attackers familar tothe victim (a friend or Family member). This makes iteven more dificult for victim te speak out or report tis difficult to allege such a serious crime against somebody that you know, no matter how horrendous the attack. CURRENT TRU POLICY Lover a year after my assault | was stil afraid to speak up and say ar write anything until read the folowing “statement from Christine Adar, TRU Dean of Students in The Omega the TRU student newspaper) in November 2084 “In the past four years there have been two instances of sexual assault eported on the TRU campus This umber seemed very low ta me. Especially since | knew that 2 numberof cases of sexal assault involving TRU _mudents had charges pressed in court ntl now | have never spoken publicly about these assauts my university didn take me seriously why woul ‘anybody else? Why would | speak out when the schoots own paper falls to report ona TRU student's sexual assault ‘ase going to court and whose Editor n-Chief describes sexual assault as “A problem that ust won't go away.” ‘Then, in a February 2015 interview withthe CBC, Adam said there has been one report in five years In that same ‘CBC interview, she sald this statistic was An accurate reporting of what has baen reported” despite the direct contraction with her fst statement, Curious about the discrepancies and to learn more about TRU's policies and procedures regarding the reporting ‘and handling of sexual assaul, | spoke with Christine Adam myse\ehen | asked her to explain the contradiction between her numbers, she sated thatthe CBC interview ‘alt with sssaults on campus and the other one was reports that had been reported nto our office” Even though The Omege article reported two assaults had occurred on campus Moreoue,eveni they were proving accurate statist, how can a Unversiy wth 13,170 students on campus, having only one report of soxual assault na fv year pero, not ase 3 ed flag for campus administration? Schools of similar size to TRU reported 7-13 reports over the same fe year perio. When we know sO mary sexual assaults go unreported in Canad tty would be somehow Immune tothe prabern? When we clscussed the lac af reporting Adam sad could be eepsina nour emmenunity because large rumiber of our students come from this community and have supports and resources off campus that they may ‘reach outtoThis ignores the fac that over 1S per cent of on-campus students are international and would nat have acess tothe same supports 2 local student would. And also that a numberof students come from elsenere in Canada and 8. 50 they also lackthe suppor of a Kamloops or area student ‘Adar said that they referred viims of on-campus assaults to the ROMP an offered ther other resources such 2 counseling. Sut that it wa largely up tothe vitim how they chase to proceed."schools of a similar size to TRU reported 7- 13 reports over the same five year period” strong support nework or student forward te report sexual arent. Infact in the Feb, 11 CRC interview, Adam desrined the university ‘orange fldercampaigr that was designed to hep allstaff and faculty respond to students coming to them in distress. Implemented overt staf talks in 201 ames to them in need or “usthappenedto show up at your desk insta te cahe desk” Adam sai, Only one of the many faculty members spoke with had even heard of such a palcy or programmisting. When asked wy there was such a disconnect Adam sid, we do have to get them out more broadly’ and, ‘hat she was “aware we could do abetter job refreshing and getting them outto everybody.” ‘The only mention of reporting sexual assault on the TRU website is tucked away under “Emergency Response” and ‘efers student to campus security or the RCMP. ‘Adam stated that “Students shouldn't have to know winere to got get help. Every door i the right door” implying ‘hat TRU chooses not to educate its students on how to report sexual assault assuming they wl come forward to lust anyone rather than seeking outa speci resource. When | asked ert elaborate she said "If we were to define one single place where they were to come forward we wouldnt necessarily be serving students well The University beleves that itm “should beable to report to anyane Perhaps the ‘every doors the right deo policy could be more effective faculty and staff were actually been "rained to handle these situations, but its clear that training has been insufficient and ineffective iso few faculty and staff are aware of ts existence. Even IfTRUS support networks as strong as they claim ii, students (ke sme) cant acess it tis useless. ‘nen tried to darify what counts as asexual assault report forthe school Adam said that fort to count it has to 2010 the Office of Student and Juda affalrs. So although students are encouraged to disclose to anyone in authorty with whom they feel comfortable (counsellors, staff atthe wellness cente, health serves, campus security, or any teachen, the dclesure would not be considered for reporting purposes. When Ireached aut to Student and Judicial Afai’s Dona Lemieux she suggested by email that | spesk with the Director oF Risk Management. Lemiuex then refused to respond to subsequent malls.Clearly an assauit has to fal into very specific criteria to be counted as a report by the scho toreport to Student and judicial affairs but Adam also said that's quite possible that someone may be assaulted by someone who isnot in the campus community at al. There Is nothing for us to have to do on campusto protect that person. So not only does the student have to repartto ane specific place to ‘count, ithas to be on campus and It also has to be an assault committed by a member of the TRU community forthe school to provide protection and ‘support jt only do you have ‘Adam also told the CBC the university doesnt colac statistics or reports from the local Kamloops RCMP ‘detachment, Royal Inland Hospital or the Kamloops Sexual Assault Centre unless it concerns safety on campus or students’ safety and students’ ability to pursue their academic studies.’ When | asked her what contact outside resources have with TRU when a sexual assaults reported she said that the one report in five years “one that has _gone to the RCMP" despite her previously saying that they have no relationship wth the RCM regardsto reparts ‘of sexual assaul on campus. | contacted the Karnloops Sexual Assauil clinic for comment and received no respons WHAT ABOUT OTHER SCHOOLS? ‘Of the 78 resporses to the CBC request for the reports at the schools, just nine universities had specific policies to {Buide the report ofa sexual assault at the university.[Aid yet there is some progress being made some school that dt previously have a policy in place have begun ‘the process of ceating one follwing this investigation, For example Ryerson Univesity is curcenthy conducting 9 review of ts polices. They als released a statement saying "When It comes to sexual assault ary number above zero unacceptable Ryerson is strongly committee to making our university 2 place where we canal fee and be, safer ‘Other universes that received media attention for assault or harassment cases on campus have responded _adequatelyand demonstrated they know how to take care ofa student who fsa vicim, ora least make an attempt to rectly the situation. ‘Queen's Unversity. which has a student population of 21,700, reported nine instances of sexual assautin five years Following the Starirvestigation they have launched a new sexual assault protcel to better respond to Incidents In at, the Star reports that“All othe 20 pulley funded universities in Ontario have pledged to review ‘existing policies and create special webstes fo ensure students know how to report an assault nd what to expect” ‘current Queen's student Hannah Komlodl, 2, tld me Queenss“In the process of doing alot more to ensure the “aety of everyone inthe Queers community regaring sexual assault” Hannah said "Queens has an amazing Wialthome service that work far which ofers free, confidential walks fram anywhere ta anywhere inthe immediate ‘The Waktiome service, started in 1988, provides students on campus wo partners to walk with every night ofthe week While these walks are free tothe student, the 180 walkers are pai by the hur for thee time. “The sewval heath resource centre alo offers fet of support and the peer support centre has lots OF resources. ‘queens makes hel very accessible” Kemlodl also said. Despite the negative attetlon Queers has recived from ‘the media, they ate making clear steps towarde making ther campus a safer space fer studentsTRUS own personal safety survey found that“ over 30 per cant of the women at TRU do not feel safe on ou campuses at night whi only 25 per cent of men felt unsafe on campus at ight." Soa service like Queens! Walkhome Id go far in making women feel safer on campus. In 1993 and the Cariboo Student Society 4 a Foot Patrol program at TRU. There is no longer ary mention of is service on the TRU website and students are encouraged to cal campus security If they require a chaperone to thelr cars. In fact, the most ‘mention of such a progra at TRU Is na past Digital Times article from 20% reduced to security guards instead of volunteers and w Even then the program had been ighl flawed t lacked the organization staffing and advertising to make it effective, “just over 30 per cent of the women at TRU do not feel safe on our campuses at night” Photo byDalhousie University was also in the media this year after some dentistry students were suspended from clinic orivileges and removed from classes with other students after posting misogynistic comments on a Facebook page. “he investigation is stil ongoing and itis possible that the students may face more punishment inthe future. ‘ynile neither Dalhousie or Queer's response was completely perfect, these schools made and continue to make \ttempts to act within the best interest of their students. 'yerson University (hich reported $7 assaults) took action after learning the results of the study. They launched a ull review of their current policy which included meetings with students and other stakeholders and attending ‘ommittees and meetings to learn how to better support their students. ‘Wile these and other schools across the country are making policies, TRL is lagging behind. The index of TRU »olicies lists a flag display policy, christmas actwvity policy and lost and found policy, but they lack any assault or ‘exual assault policy. There is a document detalling suggested procedures for dealing with at-risk students (last |pdeted in 2006) that recommends referring the student to counselling or health services. It makes no mention of xual assault or referring the student to student and judicial atfair, where a report would be counted. WHAT NOW? ‘9 what does this mean for TRU? itis undeniable tha, like any other university, some TRU students will experience xual assault. Though sad, Its the truth that many people are sexvally assaulted but very few report the incidents. And without reforms in education and support for victims, these assaults will continue.It isnt a question of what isin the best interest ofthe students, obviously the safer the campus and stronger the network for survivors the better. it does no harm to create a community where any member Facls safe to come Forward if they have this experiance. What it comes dovin to is what TRU choses to do to improve. Its easy to sit back and deny the reports or deny the assaults. Ittakes no effort to say students can go anywhere to report an assault, instead of having specific systems. in place. A University wil scare fewer parents and students when it reports a low or non-existent number of assaults. But the entire school community should be scared that despite the obvious issues, TRU has chosen the easiest route, Instead of owning the problems and facing them head on, they choose to avoid decisive action. They choose to place the burden on the victim to report the assault and followup. They choose to under-report the assaults that are actually disclosed to them. They choose to under-educate their own professors and administrative staffin useful protocols for helping victims. Next year when | graduate from this university I would lke to be proud of my alma matter. But how can support a school that wouldn't support me when I needed itthe most?DOES THIS REALLY HAPPEN HERE? because ofthe prevolnce ofenual aszaulin our socety, women navigate move careful thraugh the world than completely ancrymous eC RCC Ren ere kro Reece Seren potential existence is more respected than my fights." Me BS a