Video: What’s the impact of silencing survivors on Canada’s campuses?

When I started investigating sexual violence on Canada’s campuses, I was surprised to learn that according to one study, nine universities restrict survivors who report to them from speaking out about their experiences.

So I wrote a story exploring the legal and ethical concerns these practices raise, especially among some students and legal experts who call them “gag orders.”

Now I’m investigating the impacts these “gag orders” are having on survivors and school culture. Watch my video to learn more:

I created a survey asking: if you’ve experienced sexual violence and brought your complaint to the university, how did administrators address it? Do you feel they dealt with your complaint fairly? Did anyone from the school discourage you from sharing your experience? Did you feel silenced?

I’d like to hold space for the stories survivors from across Canada’s campuses would have told, had they been allowed to say #MeToo.

If you would like to help me document the impact of university policies and practices that silence survivors, please consider taking our short survey and sharing your testimony (anonymously or not).[end] 

This story is part of Emma Jones’ ongoing coverage of sexual violence on Canadian campuses. Follow me on Twitter and subscribe to my biweekly gender newsletter.

This piece was edited by Robin Perelle. The Discourse’s executive editor is Rachel Nixon.