Courtesy: Medicine Hat College

By Darren Rathwell

Medicine Hat College to expand abuse policy

Feb 22, 2022 | 4:51 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An expanded abuse policy is in the works at Medicine Hat College, one that will take the place of the current sexual violence policy and will focus on gender-based violence, say college officials.

The college brought in a sexual violence policy in 2019 to help address claims and offer support, but as per request from the province, sexual violence and other abuse issues will be featured within a new framework that centres on gender-based violence.

“Increasingly there is a recognition that people of a certain gender, whether it be women or transgender populations or other related populations, experience violence at a greater rate than others”, said Sue Fitzsimmons, the college’s acting Vice President Academic, “And so for that reason it’s really important for us to continue to shine a light on the issue.”

The new framework would also include such things as bullying, stalking and criminal harassment.

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Fitzsimmons says the college plans to raise awareness of gender-based violence, as well as add more supports for students who need them. She says a new abuse policy by the college should be ready by about June.