Post-secondary institutions offered critical directions to improve safety for women and others at high risk

Toronto, ON -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/20/2014 -- Another academic year is well under way, but campus sexual assault remains a pressing concern for Canadian universities and colleges and the students who attend them. Today, METRAC released a new report entitled Sexual Assault Policies on Campus: A Discussion Paper, available online. METRAC is a community-based organization that prevents violence and has a 30-year history making spaces safer for women and others at high risk of gendered violence.

The paper includes results of a cursory review of sample policies related to sexual assault by and against students from 15 post-secondary institutions. Results suggest gaps and a lack of clarity in how some universities and colleges handle sexual assault reports, investigations and hearing processes. It also suggests inconsistent practices across institutions. "For instance, some policies don't specifically outline the rights a survivor of sexual assault has when reporting violence on campus," explains Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director of METRAC. "This is an underreported crime as it is –policies that aren't clear on how a survivor would be protected can be a major barrier."

The report details promising practices to improve policies and key recommendations to strengthen the response to sexual violence. "But even well-crafted policies can fail in practice," notes Komiotis, "and campus community members of all identities and abilities must be educated on what the policies say in order to access their full benefits." The report includes a recommendation that a full review of all Canadian post-secondary sexual assault policies and their real-life impact on students be undertaken as a next step. It also outlines the need for new provincial and federal policy standards that lay out institutional responsibilities, survivor/victim rights and transparency and accountability measures.

To access the full report, visit METRAC's website

About METRAC
METRAC works with individuals, communities and institutions to change ideas, actions and policies with the goal of ending violence against women and youth. Delivering relevant and boundary-breaking services and programs, we focus on education and prevention and use innovative tools to build safety, justice and equity.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

METRAC and Turner Consulting Group to host Tim Wise presentation

Toronto, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2014 -- Diversity is a blanket term used in education, services, institutions and business. But "diversity speak" can supplant critical conversations about power, race and racism. What does it mean to move beyond diversity in a society that often views itself as "post-racial"? On Wednesday March 26, respected anti-racism author and speaker Tim Wise will address these crucial issues at Beyond Diversity: Being Race Conscious in a Diverse Society.

Hosted by METRAC, a community organization that prevents violence, and Turner Consulting Group, a company that promotes equity and inclusion in organizations, Beyond Diversity will examine the impact of privilege and power on the way we relate with each other and address what it means to be an effective anti-racism ally in contexts where "song, food, dance" are too often the focus. This presentation will kick off the March 27 and 28 inclusion conference for workplace and service environments, From Counting People to Making People Count.

Tim Wise is author of "White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son" and a prominent anti-racist writer and educator. Recently named one of "25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World" by Utne Reader, he has spoken across the United States, Canada and Bermuda on racism and education, religion and the labor market. At Beyond Diversity, Wise will provide essential insights on the intersection of race, racism and work, learning and service environments. This presentation is ideal for students, human resource and equity-promoting professionals, and anyone seeking to explore and build their own anti-racist practice.

Beyond Diversity will take place March 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at YMCA Central, (20 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, Ontario). It will a question and answer session with moderated by Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director of METRAC. For more information about the presentation and the following conference, visit http://www.metrac.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Ryerson University to host forum targeting new journalism students

Toronto, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2014 -- Media myths and popular assumptions may be making campuses more dangerous and concealing important narratives. On Tuesday March 4 at Ryerson University, panelists will discuss this and other issues at Media Coverage of Sexual Violence on Campus, a panel discussion led in partnership between Ryerson University School of Journalism and several organizations that address gender-based violence and violence against women and girls.

The first of its kind, the event is designed to reach new journalism students as well as practicing journalists. It aims to improve how sexual violence is covered by media by identifying hidden stories, pointing to promising practices and challenging assumptions and myths.

"Sexual violence and rape culture on campus has been increasingly spotlighted in the media in the past year," says Sandra Diaz of Canadian Women's Foundation. "Discussions with emerging media makers at Ryerson are important to improve the quality of that coverage, spark a more informed approach and challenge us all to ask different questions."

The event will take place March 4 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM at Ryerson University's Sears Atrium in the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (245 Church Street, Toronto). It will feature a discussion moderated by Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director of METRAC, and expert panelists, including:

- Sandra Diaz, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Canadian Women's Foundation
- Farrah Khan and Shannon Giannitsopoulou, Co-founders, Femifesto
- Cyndy Baskin, Associate Professor, Ryerson University
- Stephanie Guthrie, Community Advocate
- Ron Couchman, Community Engagement Manager, White Ribbon

There will be a brief Q&A session following panel speakers and some panelists will be available for comment afterwards.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Toronto, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/30/2013 -- On September 3, 2012, METRAC (the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) released an updated Android version of its "Not Your Baby" app to help users deal with sexual harassment. It allows users to input where they are – such as work, school or on the street – and who's harassing them – such as a boss, coworker or fellow student. A response is generated "in the moment" based on the contribution of thousands of other users who shared what they did to deal with similar instances of harassment. "Not Your Baby" also allows users share their personal stories of dealing with harassment.

In the current release, new visual themes are available and new "where" and "when" categories have been added based on user feedback, including "online" and "faith leader". Since its first release in September 2012, over 5000 users have downloaded the app and it has garnered coverage from media such as The National Post, Jezebel, Ottawa Sun, Mail Online UK, Huffington Post, Torontoist and Bitch Magazine.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (2011) recognizes unwelcome "vexatious comment or conduct" as sexual harassment. Gender-based harassment, "used to get people to follow traditional sex stereotypes", is understood as a form of sexual harassment. A 1995 survey found that 8 out of 10 young women were harassed in secondary school and in 2009, research showed that nine out of 10 transgender students and six out of ten lesbian, gay and bisexual students were verbally harassed (Ontario Women's Directorate, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and Ministry of Education; Egale Canada).

Social media and technology may pose its dangers, but "Not Your Baby" demonstrates how they can be used to help people take action, including girls and women, LGBTTIQQ2S communities and other groups at high risk of harassment. It is available on iTunes, Google Play and by visiting METRAC's website. METRAC is an award-winning, community-based charity that prevents violence against women and youth. Founded in 1984, METRAC works with communities to make them safer for women, youth and everyone.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Toronto, Canada -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2013 -- On April 26, 2013 during National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, METRAC (the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) is partnering with other community serving organizations to host the We All Have a Role Forum to challenge sexual violence. Statistics show that one in four Canadian women will experience sexual assault in her lifetime, and young women are at greatest risk.

What: We All Have a Role Forum
When: Friday April 24, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Where: North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge Street)
Who: for community members, youth, students, service providers, people who have experienced sexual violence and their supporters

News about sexual violence flashes across through the media on a weekly basis, from reports of sexual assaults in our cities to cases of sexual violence and harassment in schools and institutions. But discussion about how we can work together to stop sexual violence, curb its negative impacts and support survivors is relatively rare. Sexual assault is still one of the most under-reported crimes in Canada and silence and shaming is yet a problem.

Sexual violence was once considered a "private matter" and a "fact of life", but there is increasing recognition that we can work together to address and reduce it. We All Have a Role is an opportunity for community members, students, service providers, people who have experienced violence and their supporters to discuss partnerships, programs and innovations to challenge sexual violence. The forum is designed to foster anti-violence collaboration and inspire change.

Speakers include representatives from METRAC, Victim Services Toronto, Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape, Springtide Resources, White Ribbon Campaign, WomenatthecentrE and the Toronto District School Board. A lunchtime Community Safety Fair will be held to share resources to the public. Entry to this forum free but registration is required by April 19.

About METRAC
METRAC is a community-based charity founded in 1984 that prevents violence against diverse women and youth. We All Have a Role is funded by Department of Justice Canada and the May Be Me Campaign.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

"Making People Count" is a unique workplace diversity and inclusion conference that provides in-depth training from the experts to help you understand the issues, bring learnings back to your workplace and monitor success.

Toronto, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/28/2013 -- "From Counting People to Making People Count" is new workplace inclusion conference coming up on Thursday March 21 to Friday March 22, 2013 at YMCA Central (20 Grosvenor Street, Toronto). It is an important opportunity to learn about building excellent inclusion practices, policies and workplace cultures.

It is unique in the landscape of workplace diversity and inclusion learning events because provides in-depth training from the experts to help you understand the issues, bring learnings back to your workplace and monitor success.

This conference is hosted in partnership by Turner Consulting Group, recognized for helping a range of clients build diverse workforces and inclusive work environments, and METRAC (the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children), a charity that has promoted non-violence and equity since 1984. They've tailored conference workshops to help public and private sector organizations, as well as non-profit organizations.

"Making People Count" is geared toward people in many roles, such as managers, human resource professionals, diversity officers, union members and leaders, equity and leadership committee members, volunteer coordinators, board members, and equity and human resource trainers. Workshop topics include:

- Creating an inclusive workplace culture;
- Dealing with and preventing harassment and bullying in the workplace;
- Creating positive spaces for LGBTQ employees;
- Inclusive leadership;
- Bias-free hiring;
- Accessibility for people with disabilities; and
- New research on diversity in leadership.

Registrants will additional receive other benefits such as a goodie bag with materials and tools; free access to a "Meet the Expert" event on March 21; and free membership to the Making People Count Network, which includes free webinars and discounted fees for future conferences and workshops.

Registration is only $400 +HST for two full days of training and $250 +HST for one day (lunch and refreshments provided). Special hotel rates are available for those who require it.

More details: website or full conference package (PDF)

Register: online or printable form (PDF)

Exhibitor opportunities: full exhibitor package (PDF)

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Toronto, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/11/2012 -- On September 10, 2012, METRAC (the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) released a free iPhone app, "Not Your Baby", to help users deal with sexual harassment. Once installed, the app will allow users to input where they are – such as work, school or on the street – and who's harassing them – such as a boss, coworker or fellow student. A response will be generated "in the moment", based on the input of 238 people who shared what they've done to deal with similar instances of harassment. Not Your Baby also includes their stories and tips and allows users to submit their own.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (2011) recognizes unwelcome "vexatious comment or conduct" as sexual harassment. Gender-based harassment, "used to get people to follow traditional sex stereotypes", is understood as a form of sexual harassment ("Policy on preventing sexual and gender-based harassment"). Sexual harassment has been identified as a widespread problem. The 1993 Violence Against Women Survey by Statistics Canada found that 23% of women experienced workplace sexual harassment with young women at highest risk. A 1995 survey found that 8 out of 10 young women were harassed in secondary school ("The Joke's Over: Student to Student Sexual Harassment in Secondary Schools", Ontario Women's Directorate, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and Ministry of Education). In 2009, Egale Canada's report showed that nine out of 10 transgender students and six out of ten lesbian, gay and bisexual students were verbally harassed ("Youth Speak Up About Homophobia and Transphobia").

Not Your Baby stands as an example of the power of technology to help people take action, including women, young women, LGBTTIQQ2S and other groups most at risk of sexual and gender-based harassment. It is available on iTunes and by visiting METRAC's website.

About METRAC
METRAC is an award-winning, community-based charity that prevents violence against women and youth. Founded in 1984, METRAC works with communities to make them safer for women, youth and everyone.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm