Ontario government taking action against sexual violence

By Mark Hodgins

BELLEVILLE – Ontario’s Premier announced a plan to help combat sexual violence and harassment on Thursday.

In a news release, Kathleen Wynne introduced a number of initiatives that will be launched in early 2015.  The release says the aim of this campaign is to “challenge norms, behaviours and myths around sexual violence and harassment,” and to raise awareness of supports available to victims of such violence.

The campaign will also require MPPs to take part in sexual assault and harassment training. The government will also be reviewing current policies to “ensure they conform to best practices.”

Further to that end, a roundtable will be assembled to give experts a place to provide their input on the government’s initiatives.

The plan is to be brought forward by March 8, International Women’s Day.

The announcement comes on the heels of sexual misconduct allegations in Ottawa, in which two Liberal MPs were accused of “personal misconduct.” Scott Andrews and Massimo Pacetti are currently suspended from caucus.