This article written in french by Corinne Prince was automatically translated using AI
On Monday, February 24, the Fédération des cégeps launched a toolkit for preventing sexual violence (VACS) through the safe design of campus spaces.
Developed in collaboration with Sophie Paquin, Ph.D., and urban planner, this toolkit includes a podcast and a practical guide.
This initiative follows the Act to Prevent and Combat Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions, which requires institutions to implement safety measures in their policies to counter sexual violence, including adjustments to campus infrastructure.
“CEGEPs are fully committed to preventing sexual violence and actively working to make their campuses safer for everyone,” stated Marie Montpetit, President and CEO of the Fédération des cégeps, in a press release. “In addition to the policies adopted by each institution in recent years, this toolkit will provide them with concrete resources to integrate safe design principles into their prevention efforts. By rethinking our spaces, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe and respected.”
Statistics
According to the PIECES Survey, more than one in three individuals in higher education has experienced at least one form of sexual violence (VACS) in a college or university setting.
Additionally, 36% of respondents reported feeling little or no safety in at least one area of their CEGEP, particularly in hallways, near lockers, in elevators, stairwells, restrooms, and changing rooms.
The Fédération des cégeps highlights that these concerning results emphasize the urgency of strengthening campus security. Rethinking space design is essential to fostering a safe environment for both staff and students.
Toolkit
This toolkit, designed to facilitate the implementation of Measure 1.3 of the 2022-2027 Government Action Plan, includes a two-episode podcast discussing the prevalence of sexual violence in higher education, space safety, and individuals’ sense of security.
It also introduces an integrated safe design approach as part of sexual violence prevention strategies, featuring the guide Preventing Sexual Violence on Campuses Through Exploratory Walks, based on six safety design principles. This guide was developed by the Fédération des cégeps in collaboration with Sophie Paquin.
Intended for professionals and students, the toolkit aims to strengthen existing initiatives to ensure a safe and respectful living environment.
The toolkit, made possible with financial support from the Government of Quebec, is available online. (C.P./IJL)
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