For Immediate Release
04 April, 2023
NDP MHA for Torngat Mountains, Lela Evans, is concerned that Memorial University is failing to ensure victims of sexual assault are not re-victimized by the institution. Evans expressed great concern after learning of a shocking sexual assault of a first year student. The victim said she received a cold reception at the sexual assault office and she didn’t feel believed or supported.
“I am deeply concerned that this behaviour is indicative of a systemic problem of not taking victims seriously, or of providing proper support,” said Evans. “The victim said she felt discouraged from reporting the assault and was told there ‘wasn’t much that could be done.’ That’s not support, that doesn’t ensure victims are safe.
“There is a long history of victims of sexual assault not feeling supported, or believed. This leads to lasting trauma that has profound impacts on a person’s life.
“The provincial government has a responsibility to ensure that there is not a culture of protecting the institution at the expense of students in this province,” said Evans. “It’s not enough for the Minister of Education to say that the university is autonomous so government doesn’t have a role to play.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca