Research on sexual assault at large gatherings

May 12th, 2016

Sexual Harassment Office

Research on sexual assault at large gatherings

Their research was intended to help with the development of prevention-minded policies.  They found that the frequency of sexual assaults at mass gatherings increase during New Year's Eve, Canada Day, university frosh week, and Halloween. Their research indicated that these sexual assaults were drug-facilitated and were committed by strangers. One of the initiatives started as a result of these findings, Project Soundcheck, engages organizers of music festivals to help create a safer space by offering their staff and volunteers education sessions about sexual violence.