An essay by Chloe Noguera as part of our Laurier Essays Series special feature
The issue of sexual assault at universities struck me before I even picked what school I wanted to attend. At school tours, almost all guides would stop to speak about the systems their institution had in place to help keep students safe while walking home from their classes. As an eighteen-year-old, I had many worries about going into university. However, the issue of sexual assault was not one I had previously attributed to going to school. The lack of thought I had given the subject showed my naivety. I saw university as a place where students would go to better themselves, not a place where one might have to fear their peers. As a now twenty-two-year-old finishing her degree, I am sad to say I know many women who became another statistic of those who experienced sexual assault at their university.
Waterloo is seen by many as a university town. The city is home to two universities and three colleges. Research has shown that one in five women experience sexual assault while attending post-secondary education (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 1). This being said, many on-campus sexual assaults occur during the first eight weeks of classes (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2). This is incredibly concerning as many students may not have a trusted support system in place within this time. Sexual assaults get reported at significantly lower rates then other crimes (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2). Statistics show that only one in ten incidents will be reported to the police (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 3). This is likely due to the stigma victims face within the justice system on this crime.
The likelihood of reporting sexual assault is even lower for marginalized women. This is concerning as marginalized communities are especially at risk for sexual assault and acts of violence in general (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2). Indigenous women are three times more likely to experience sexual assault than non-Indigenous women (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2). Studies have also shown that 83% of women with disabilities have experienced sexual assault or violence in their life (Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2). These statistics are alarming. Marginalized women often have mistrust towards the police leaving many women feeling unable to get help. Specific groups of racialized women also stated that the topic of sex and sexual victimization was not seen as appropriate topics to discuss with their families (Quinlan, 34). This experience can be incredibly isolating for some individuals as police and family may not be options of support.
The inability for survivors to find justice after this experience can be detrimental to many aspects of their life. In a post-secondary instance, sexual violence towards women can lead to moving residences, dropping classes, reduced GPA, lower satisfaction in their education, disengaging in education, and an increased likelihood of dropping out of school (Quinlan, 28). Many women will fear coming into contact with their perpetrator causing them to leave their university all together (Quinlan, 28). Education has long been gatekept from women, specifically racialized women. The lack of action against perpetrators allows this system to continue to keep women from going forward in their education.
While Wilfrid Laurier University does have resources in place for students to go to when in need, this can still be nerve-wracking for survivors. The school has awareness programs, workshops, and training sessions about sexual violence. Additionally, there are facilities that take discrimination and harassment complaints from students. However, the most important system for survivors of sexual assault is often the off-campus community partners. Students stated being strongly in favour of having outside partners being involved in these cases (Quinlan, 260). Many survivors saw these partners as neutral third parties that could be relied on for advice and support (Quinlan, 260). What makes this option so appealing is that it provides survivors a level of privacy (Quinlan, 260). These community groups were able to amplify the voices of survivors and allow students to feel less reluctant to come forward and seek justice (Quinlan, 260). This option can allow all women to feel more comfortable reaching out for help. The accessibility for students to have off-campus support systems is growing which will allow for people to have justice.
Sexual assault needs to be a topic within the education system. There is still a long way to go in terms of understanding consent. This issue is more than an issue within an educational institution; it requires community support. With so many students in Waterloo from a variety of backgrounds, it is so important to have individuals to advocate for these women. Off-campus support systems are a huge factor in improving the rates of women coming forward about cases of sexual assault. By speaking on this issue it’s women who are bringing awareness and showing that we will no longer stand for this. As a community, all members need to support one another, especially through such challenges. Organizations in this city will amplify the voices of women to allow them to heal from issues such as sexual assault.
Work Cited
Quinlan, Beth. Sexual Violence at Canadian Universities: Activism, Institutional Responses, and Strategies for Change. Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2017.
Sexual Violence on Campus. Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, 2015, Factsheet-SexualAssault.pdf (cfsontario.ca). Accessed 19 July. 2021.
Addressing Gender and Sexual Violence: A Summary of Laurier Initiatives. Wilfrid Laurier University, 2019, Addressing gendered and sexual violence: A summary of Laurier initiatives | Wilfrid Laurier University (wlu.ca). Accessed 19 July. 2021.