The group of newly-trained Sexual Violence, Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Investigator's include representatives from each of Nova's Scotia's ten universities and the Nova Scotia Community College.
As part of the work of the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee (NSPSVPC) and the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP), Saint Mary’s was proud to host the Internal Investigator’s Sexual Violence and Harassment training last month.
The training is part of a multi-pronged approach to improving sexual violence and harassment prevention, response, and policy at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions, as outlined in key documents that emerged through the work of the Nova Scotia Sexual Violence Strategy.
Representatives from each of the ten universities and Nova Scotia Community College attended the training, including Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Advisor, the Director, Student Accessibility, Wellness and Success, the Human Resources Officer (OHS & Wellness) and the University Secretary and General Counsel, to learn how to facilitate fair and thorough investigations using reliable and respectful techniques in cases of sexual violence, harassment, discrimination and bullying.
“Both the Changing the Culture of Acceptance: Recommendations to Address Sexual Violence of University Campuses report and the Development of Survivor-Centric Sexual Violence Policies and Responses report have shaped much of the work to prevent and respond to sexual violence on Nova Scotian campuses,” says Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services. “The associated efforts to implement the recommendations and guidelines addressed within the reports have provided a strong foundation for improving institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence within Nova Scotia.”
Facilitated by Hill Advisory Services, the five-day intensive training included theory-based education and experiential learning related to conducting investigations, taking statements, preparing interviews and writing final reports.
Lynn Cashen Basso, Director of Student Accessibility, Wellness, and Success (left) and Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor representing the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee at the Investigator's Training, hosted at Saint Mary's University in July 2023.
SMU’s Sexual Violence Advisor, Dee Dooley, coordinated the training on behalf of the NSPSVPC. “It was wonderful to see this training come together,” says Dooley. “The training is based on the vision of a dedicated group of survivors, front-line staff, senior administrators, faculty and students who have been advocating for improved sexual and gender-based violence response on Nova Scotian campuses. A key component of this vision is ensuring institutions incorporate a transparent policy response and investigation process into post-secondary strategies,” elaborates Dooley. “This training is a crucial step in moving that forward.”
The newly-trained investigators will participate in a Community of Practice group, coordinated by Dooley, where they will engage in continued training, networking and knowledge-sharing to support consistency in responses, which are rooted in best practices.
For more information on related resources and initiatives at Saint Mary’s, visit the SMU Sexual Violence Support Centre.