By Stephanie Villella

Medicine Hat College takes a stand against sexual violence

Feb 27, 2017 | 3:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat College is taking a stand against sexual assault.

The college has implemented a sexual violence policy that educates students, staff, and faculty about sexual harassment.

“We’re an institution where sexual violence is not tolerated,” said Irlanda Price, associate vice-president of student development.  “What we’re going to be doing is rolling out a comprehensive education plan around what consent is and what consent is not.”

Medicine Hat College wants to make a “really strong statement” that the school has zero tolerance against the crime.

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Price said that there is not a big issue of sexual violence on campus, but wants to be proactive if a case arises. 

“We just want to be prepared to be able to suport students, and faculty, and staff who come forward in the event that it is a reality for them” she said.

The college has partnered up with the Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC) for victims who need a councillor to speak with.

Christina Johnson, executive director of SARC, said that the services provided by the organization are based on what the client wants.

“The first thing we ask them is ‘how do we help you’ and then we ask really what they’re looking for” Johnson said. “Then we ask how we can help them to move forward.” 

Medicine Hat College is the first college in Alberta to approve the new stand-alone policy on sexual violence.