Starting this week, full-time undergraduate students and all graduate students at the University of Toronto are being asked to complete the Student Voices on Sexual Violence survey.
The survey is intended to provide information about how students perceive, understand and respond to sexual violence, as well as how institutions address sexual violence.
CCI Research is administering this survey on behalf of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, colleges, private career colleges and universities in Ontario. The survey is available until March 26.
“We encourage our students to participate in this important survey,” said Sandy Welsh, vice-provost, students. “The feedback we receive will help us better understand the experiences of our students and their needs and concerns. This will ultimately help us improve the university’s support services for our community.”
Students will receive a personalized link to complete the 20-minute survey and a $5 electronic gift card as an incentive for completion. More information can be found at www.info-sv-vs.ca. The results of this survey are expected to be made available later in 2018.
The university’s Sexual Violence Climate Survey Advisory Board provided feedback on the survey and the protocol has been approved by the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board at U of T.
“This is the first survey of its kind and we were happy to be part of the consultation process as it came together,” said Welsh. “This is also an important time to remind our community of the campus resources and supports available to them year-round.”
Earlier this year, the university implemented its sexual violence education and prevention training module. All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to complete the training module. Instructions on how to access the module are available at UofT.me/SVEPtraining until the end of the semester.
“This survey is another way we can gather feedback from our students, as we continue to build a culture of consent at the university,” said Terry McQuaid, executive director, Sexual Violence Prevention & Support. “This initiative contributes to the university’s commitment that all of its community members should be able to study, work and live in a campus environment that is free from sexual violence.”
Accessing support at the University of Toronto:
The tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and by phone (416-978-2266).
Downtown Toronto campus – 702 Spadina Ave.
U of T Mississauga – 3094G, Davis Building
U of T Scarborough – Room 141, Environmental Science & Chemistry Building
Those who have experienced sexual violence can also call Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222 (St. George and U of T Scarborough) or 905-569-4333 (U of T Mississauga).
After-hours support is also available at Women's College Hospital Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (416-323-6040), Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre (416-495-2400), and Trillium Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre (905-848-7100).
Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre at U of T Scarborough
Read about the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre at U of T Mississauga