In spring 2015, Sheridan launched a new Taskforce for the Prevention of Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence (TPSASV) to advance and strengthen Sheridan’s commitment to be a respectful, caring and safe community.
The purpose of the taskforce is to make recommendations to ensure Sheridan is in compliance with the Ontario Premier’s Action Plan – It’s never okay: An action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment. The taskforce also advocates for a strategic, campus-wide approach to addressing sexual assault prevention and response.
The TPSASV consists of members from a broad cross section of the Sheridan community including faculty, students, members of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Taskforce and staff from Human Resources, Student Affairs, Residence, Sheridan Student Union, Security, and the Centre for People and Organizational Development.
Each one of us has an important role to play in assisting the efforts of the committee. Should you become aware of a person in our community who is experiencing difficulty but aren’t sure how to help them, please visit: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/respectful-and-safe-communities/sexual-assault.aspx The site has been created to help people file a complaint, learn about available resources and direct people to agencies that can help.
You also may notice a new awareness campaign unfolding on our campuses called Dare to Care. Dare to Care is built on the concept of bystander training, which teaches people how to be proactive in helping others in need. The name Dare to Care was selected to purposely challenge each one of us to speak up when we see or hear something concerning and to lend a hand to students or colleagues who may require assistance.
We encourage all members of the Sheridan community to Dare to Care about Sheridan and have the courage to support one another.
Maria Lucido Bezely, Dean of Students and Marla Terreberry-Portfilio, Manager, Human Rights and Workplace Harassment
Co-Chairs, TPSASV