VICTORIA A Victoria post-secondary institution is tackling an important issue this week in hopes of changing the culture around unwelcomed sexualize behaviour. Sexualized Violence Awareness Week 2021 at Camosun College will include conversations, information, and workshops on the topic of sexualized and gender-based violence prevention. Sexualized violence is an all-encompassing term that includes sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment, as well as emotional and psychological harm. Camosun’s office of student support and the Camosun College Student Society are behind the initiative. “We want folks to know that we are aware that this is something that, unfortunately, is ongoing in our community,” says Stephanie Pedneault a student support manager at Camosun and a registered clinical counsellor.
Wiltshire Police has launched an long-term project aimed at making reporting a sexual abuse crime easier for victims. The Crown Prosecution Service, Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and neighbouring Hampshire Constabulary and Dorset Police have formed the Wessex Action Plan, which sees the introduction of a range of measures that focuses on improving the experience for those who contact the police and improves the likelihood of the criminal being brought to justice. Launched at the start of Sexual Abuse and Violence Awareness Week, it focuses on four main areas: :: Supporting victims by improving communication with them and ensuring they receive the right information and support.