Study Tackles Sexual Assault on Canadian College Campuses

WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia, Canada — A study on sexual assaults on college campuses in Nova Scotia found that first-year students are particularly targeted and vulnerable to sexual predators.

Commissioned by Students Nova Scotia, the study determined that many campus sexual assaults occur during the first two months of classes, The Chronicle Herald reports.

The research, conducted by consultant Anne Martell, is based on interviews with 73 student union and university representatives at six universities in Nova Scotia. Study results showed that only 5% of sexual assaults are reported to police or campus authorities. Of those reported cases, sexual predators account for 90% of the attacks,

Additionally, the study determined that in 90% to 95% of campus sexual assaults, the victims were heavily intoxicated, inhibiting judgment and communication about consent.

Students Nova Scotia plan to roll out a sexual assault awareness campaign in February. There are also talks to bring sexual assault nurse examiner programs to campuses.

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