All B.C. post-secondary institutions to form sexual misconduct policies

The province of B.C. has brought forward legislation to fight sexual violence on university and college campuses.

All public post-secondary institutions in the province must now have a sexual misconduct policy within one year of the Bill receiving Royal Assent.

Premier Christy Clark made the announcement on Wednesday.

"As parents, we expect our sons and daughters will be safe," said Premier Christy Clark.

"And for students, university is often the first place they're on their own. They have every right to feel safe on campus and today is a step in the right direction."

Currently provincial post-secondary institutions do not have to have policies that address sexual violence or misconduct. They also do not have to have to have prevention initiatives or complaint response procedures.

Bill 23, Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act will require every public university, college and institute in the province to change the current ways and introduce a sexual misconduct policy.

The bill fulfills the commitment Clark made saying they would work with Oak Bay Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver to pass legislation as soon as possible.

"Adding the weight of the law sends a clear signal that acts of sexual violence against students will not be tolerated on post-secondary campuses," said Weaver.

"It is welcome news that government has stood up along with post-secondary institutions to say enough is enough."

The new bill defines sexual misconduct to include acts of sexual nature, ranging from voyeurism to harassment and sexual assault.

"It is important to break the silence on violence against women wherever it happens," said Tracy Porteous, executive director of Ending Violence Association of BC.

"Despite the growing number of sexual violence incidents on campuses, very few people know what to do should abuse or violence appear. Legislation that requires clear policies on how to respond to and prevent sexual violence will ensure safer campuses, while giving higher profile to the issue."

The new policies will be reviewed every three years with student consultation.