York’s interim sexual assault policy fails survivors: Silence is Violence

Alex Kvaskov | News Editor

Featured image: York says it’s receiving very constructive feedback based on ongoing consultations. | Amir Yazdanparast

The Silence is Violence coalition fired a barrage of criticism across York’s bow, targeting the university’s Interim Guideline for Responding to Sexual Violence in a 14-page salvo of a statement released last week.

“Silence is Violence is highly critical of the lack of appropriate institutional response to sexual violence at York University. It is our opinion that the [Interim Guideline for Responding to Sexual Violence] is highly problematic and will [likely] serve as the building block for the official policy,” reads the release.

Silence is Violence lists seven preliminary recommendations for York, including developing a stand-alone sexual violence procedure, using external investigators, ensuring meaningful evaluation and reporting, providing substantive training for university employees, committing to institutional accountability and the rights of community members and ensuring that counselling services are available to all survivors of sexual assault, regardless of legal status, among others.

Mandi Gray, co-founder of Silence is Violence, will draw on these recommendations in an ongoing mediation with York.

York’s Sexual Violence Response Office, or SVRO, has also come in for sustained criticism.

“The Sexual Violence Response Office is designated as the first point of contact for those who have experienced sexual violence and will support all members of the York community. The SVRO is currently being supported by the Office for Student Community Relations,” says York spokesperson Barbara Joy.

On the other hand, Silence is Violence says the SVRO appears to be little more than an extra office within the Office of Student Community Relations.

The coalition says York has co-opted survivor-centric language, but hasn’t made systemic changes or added institutional supports or structures to meaningfully use such words.

“Rather, administration simply ordered a ‘Sexual Violence Response Office’ sign. There are no changes or new staff; it is merely covering up old bureaucratic problems with a new title,” reads the release.

Students asked about the potential efficacy of York’s SVRO office offered mixed opinions. Third-year political science student Kainaat Rizvi says, “I feel like nothing has changed.”

“[York] made a commitment to strengthen measures to support survivors of sexual violence and to provide the safest possible environment for our community members,” says Joy.

She notes York is hosting consultation meetings with campus groups, including student governments, clubs, associations, university departments and staff associations to collect feedback on the interim guideline.

“Once completed, a summary of key consultation points will be posted online,” she adds.

However, it is unclear what York is currently seeking consultation on, according to Silence is Violence. “York has not presented any new approach or procedure to the York community, on which it is now seeking feedback,” reads their release.

Joy says York is receiving constructive feedback on what works and what can be improved.

Gray alleges that York systematically discriminates against sexual assault survivors, who she says are more likely to identify as women.

With files from Shadia Balram