The District School Board of Niagara says it is reviewing the reporting process for sexual assault and harassment, following a student walkout in Thorold and St Catharines last week.
It was last Friday that students staged a protest following reports of an incident at a St Catharines high school that they said was not taken seriously, and took to the streets to raise awareness over how the administration handled it.
Following close to a week of silence, DSBN director of education Warren Hoshizaki issued a statement on Thursday, saying that the school board heard the message.
“Through these student actions, we heard a hard truth. That there are students within the DSBN who do not feel safe at their schools, and there are students who do not feel heard. Student safety and student voices are always important to us, so when students tell us they are feeling this way, we must listen, address it, and work to make sure students feel heard,” Hoshizaki said.
“Students, we want you to know that we do value and respect your voices. Hearing from you is incredibly important and we take what you have to say seriously. We want you to feel encouraged to speak to us at any time, for any situation. You deserve to feel safe, validated, and heard at school.”
DSBN said it will start with reviewing the process regarding sexual harassment to make it more accessible and simple.
“We will also be collaborating with our community partners that have expertise in these areas to work with us on these initiatives,” said the statement.
If students do not feel like they can report an incident of sexual harassment or assault to their school, DSBN suggests reaching out to the following organizations
Niagara Sexual Assault Centre
There is someone for you to talk to if you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence either recently or in the past. Speak directly to one of the Niagara Sexual Assault Centre’s support counsellors, who will offer you non-judgmental support, understanding, information and options specific to your concerns. They are here to listen and to help. You are not alone.
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24/7 Crisis Line: 905-682-4565
Website: http://niagarasexualassaultcentre.com/
Niagara Regional Police
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault and wish to report it to the police, please contact the Niagara Regional Police.
Phone: 905-688-4111
Website:** https://www.niagarapolice.ca/en/what-we-do/sexualassault.aspx
