GOVERNMENT CAN STRENGTHEN BILL 132 TO ADDRESS SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT SAYS MPP SCOTT

LONDON – Committee hearings took place today on Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, with input from different organizations on how to strengthen this piece of legislation.

“I want to thank all the educational institutions and frontline agencies that came forward to discuss their concerns on Bill 132,” said Scott. “It is important to recognize and address the concerns and existing best practices on the training and oversight that are needed to successfully implement Bill 132.”

The proposed legislation aims to: remove the limitation period for survivors to file claims of sexual misconduct, require colleges and universities to implement and review sexual violence policies, and shorten the notice period for tenants to break leases and flee domestic violence, among other proposals.

“One in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime and this bill is the beginning of the large amount of work that needs to be done to combat sexual violence and harassment,” added Scott.

The issue of human trafficking came up again during the committee hearings. The Sexual Assault Centre London and the London Abused Women’s Centre spoke about the necessary resources to respond to sexual assault, and provide trauma-informed training. Their insight was critical in better understanding the survivor-centred counselling for women and girls who are victims and survivors of sexual harassment and violence, including those exploited for sex trafficking and prostitution.

“The Liberal government needs to take immediate action on creating an anti-human trafficking taskforce. When we talk about sexual violence and harassment, we also have to acknowledge that human trafficking is a priority,” said Scott.

Megan Walker of the London Abused Women’s Centre reinforced the need for such a taskforce in discussing the problem of sex trafficking in London. “Right now there are 42 parents and families in London that are searching for their missing daughters,” said Walker. “These girls are being trafficked across Ontario.” The families of trafficked persons need support in order to better protect and support their children.

Ontario is a major hub for human trafficking in Canada, particularly along the Highway 401 corridor. The average age of these persons is approximately 14 years old. Trafficking is a form of modern day slavery where victims are forced into prostitution through various methods of coercion. It is one of the largest growing crimes and over 90 percent of trafficked survivors and victims are Canadian born.

The Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment has endorsed MPP Scott’s motion, yet the government still has not acted on it.