Sexual Violence Policy Review Consultation

As a content warning, please note that this email includes information and links about sexual violence. We understand that reviewing this material could trigger strong reactions and we encourage the community to connect with various support and resources.

Dear Members of the Carleton Community,

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, Carleton University undertakes a comprehensive review of its Sexual Violence Policy every three years. Our last review concluded in June 2022, and we are now embarking on the next review of this important policy.

Your feedback throughout this review process is essential to ensuring that our policy remains responsive and supportive to all members of our community. We thank you in advance for your engagement.

Following robust consultations and review processes in 2018-19 and again in 2021-2022 the current policy continues to allow for more flexibility to be supportive to survivors throughout the process, while at the same time respecting the requirements for procedural fairness. Although reviewing the policy every three years is a legal requirement, these regular reviews are essential for keeping our policy aligned with best practices and community needs while ensuring our policy is as responsive and supportive as possible.

Over the course of the year, we will be engaging with the community in this important process. As a first step, we have developed a draft plan outlining the consultation process. Members of the Carleton community are encouraged to review this draft consultation plan and to provide feedback through our consultation website or by email at svpolicy@carleton.ca until September 20. 

As described in the draft consultation plan, there will be many opportunities to provide feedback on the policy through digital feedback, information and feedback sessions, and continued meetings with stakeholder groups. Additionally, feedback that may not directly apply to the policy will be shared with Equity and Inclusive Communities to enhance our campus prevention strategy for sexual violence, Honouring Each Other.

We value your engagement in this important process and look forward to working collaboratively to further strengthen our survivor-centred policy and processes ensure our community remains safe and inclusive.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Blanchard
Vice-President (Students and Enrolment)