Campaign launched to end sexual violence

Nipissing University unveiled a campaign Friday with the goal of ending sexual violence.

It’s called #nuperspective and university officials, the Chief of Police, the mayor and students were all on hand for the announcement.

Chief Paul Cook cited stats that show an increase in sexual offenses in North Bay from 2013 when there were 61 to 2014 when there were 73.

Casey Phillips the assistant vice president of students at the university says they want people to open up if they have been a victim of sexual violence.

He says he hopes they see an increase in the number of reported cases because that will mean people are comfortable in reporting and getting the support they need.

Phillips says sexual violence can happen to anyone and although the victims are primarily women there are also male and trans gender victims as well and so the campaign is for all members of the community.

He says they wanted to come up with a campaign that would attract lots of social media traffic.

University president Dr Mike De Gagne says this is a preventative measure in an attempt to address the problem.

He says families are sending their kids here and it’s important that the university does all it can to ensure that everyone is respected.