The Youth Voices Count collective is calling on the government to act faster and implement measures following a damning report into sexual violence in schools last September at the request of the education minister.
• Also read: Report on sexual misconduct in schools: ‘Extremely concerned’, Minister Drainville vows to act quickly
The group, which consists of many young people, is calling for the creation of a framework law that would regulate and prevent sexual misconduct in both primary and secondary schools.
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This is not the first time the collective has called for a framework law, arguing that while decisions are made slowly at government level, it is young people who suffer.
“I would say three quarters of my friends have experienced sexual violence,” says Theryanne, a member of the youth group. Finding out that you will be placed on a waiting list is a very long time. As a witness you really see the impact that this brings. [les violences sexuelles].”
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A mother whose identity was protected and whose daughter was sexually abused by a classmate at a Montreal private college is repeating her words and denouncing what her child experienced.
“You are responsible for our children,” she said. May they do so consciously, ethically and fairly. We don’t take any precautions. My child spent months spending time with his attacker.”
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Liberal education spokeswoman Marwah Rizqy also believes the minister has not acted quickly enough since submitting the report in September.
“What we want is for the education minister to do his part of the job, to introduce a bill or even amendments en bloc,” she claims.
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For its part, the office of the Minister of Education Bernard Drainville argues that it is wrong to claim that the latter “remains with his arms folded”.
“When the minister unveiled the investigation report, as he promised, he reiterated that he does not rule out changes to the law,” said an email to TVA News. This option is still on the table.
“We are committed to following the report’s recommendations and we will do so,” it added. Student safety is the most important thing.”
This publication by the Youth Voices Counts collective comes in the middle of the 12 days of action against violence against women.
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90% of victims of sexual violence, 95% of victims of pimping and human trafficking and 76% of victims of marital crimes are women.
For the full report, watch the video above