FEB 2019 APPENDIX B: FIELD SAFETY RESEARCH PLAN: SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Original filed in Lab Safety Binder; Ongoing Safety Training Records
Copy submit to departmental Administrative Assistant
Appendix B: Field Research Safety Plan:
Sexual Violence
University of Guelph
College of Biological Science
Feb 2019
Preamble
Sexual violence, particularly gendered violence, is a devastating issue that continues to
impact many people in our society. In Canada and the United States, one in three
women will experience sexual violence over their lifetime
1
, and one in five women will
experience sexual assault while attending a post-secondary institution
2
. While
universities offer many resources to survivors of sexual violence, students, staff and
faculty performing field work (conducting research off-campus, often in remote and
isolated locations) are particularly vulnerable. A recent study
3
reports that 62% of
individuals at any stage in their career have experienced sexual harassment at a field
site, and 21.7% have experienced sexual assault. Furthermore, women working in the
field are 3.5 times as likely to experience sexual harassment and 5.5 times as likely to
experience sexual assault as their male colleagues.
Any individual, whether student, staff, or faculty, working in a capacity related to the
University of Guelph has the right to a safe and respectful work environment, free from
discrimination and all forms of sexual violence.
Definitions
The University of Guelph Sexual Violence Policy
4
, defines the following:
1. Sexual Violence means any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality,
gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological
in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without
the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking,
indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation
5
2. Sexual Assault is defined as any kind of sexual contact without mutual consent.
It can include unwanted kissing, fondling, oral or anal sex, intercourse or other
forms of penetration, or any other unwanted act of a sexual nature.
6
FEB 2019 APPENDIX B: FIELD SAFETY RESEARCH PLAN: SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Original filed in Lab Safety Binder; Ongoing Safety Training Records
Copy submit to departmental Administrative Assistant
3. Sexual Harassment is included in the definition of sexual violence and means
engaging in a course (or in some cases, one incident) of vexatious comment or
conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression
that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. This can
include: implied or expressed rewards or benefits for sexual favours; non-
consensual taking or posting of a sexual picture; aggressive or intolerant
comment or slur (including cyberbullying or through social media); or uttering any
sexual threat.
4. Consent is the active ongoing, informed and voluntary agreement to engage in
sexual activity. Consent cannot be given by someone whose judgment is
materially impaired (such as by drugs or alcohol), unconscious, or otherwise
unable to understand and voluntarily give consent. Consent can never be
obtained through threats, trickery, coercion, pressure or other forms of control or
intimidation and may be withdrawn at any time. Consent may be compromised
where individuals are in a position of power, trust or authority over the person
whose consent is required. The consumption of alcohol or drugs does not
provide any excuse from obtaining consent.
References
1. World Health Organization (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence
against women: prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and
non-partner sexual violence.
2. Canadian Federation of StudentsOntario (2015). Sexual Violence on Campus.
3. Clancy, K.B.H., Nelson, R.G., Rutherford, J.N, and K. Hinde. 2014. Survey of
academic field experiences (SAFE): Trainees report harassment and assault.
PLOSone. 9:1-9.
4. Sexual Violence Policy, University of Guelph (2018)
5. Definition taken from Bill 132, Sexual Violence and Harassment Plan (2016),
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
6. University of Guelph Sexual Assault Support Guide
(2014)
FEB 2019 APPENDIX B: FIELD SAFETY RESEARCH PLAN: SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Original filed in Lab Safety Binder; Ongoing Safety Training Records
Copy submit to departmental Administrative Assistant
Please sign and date beside your listed name to acknowledge that you have read and
understood the above information.
Name Signature Date
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Principle
Investigator
Phone: Ext.
Expedition
Leader
Phone: Ext.
Duration of trip Start Date: End Date:
Research
Location