News release

Youth Engagement on Sexual Violence Needs to Continue

Community Services

Nova Scotia's youth have a unique perspective on sexual violence and they want to be part of the conversation on how to prevent it.

That is what over 100 young people said during engagement sessions last fall as part of the sexual violence strategy.

Minister of Community Services Joanne Bernard released a summary of what they said today, April 29.

"People between the ages of 15 and 24 are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence as a victim or perpetrator," said said Ms. Bernard. "It is vital that we keep the conversation going and listen to what they're telling us about how they want to access services and how we can work to prevent sexual violence."

The government worked with HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development and Leaders of Today to hold 14 safe and inclusive engagement sessions throughout the province.

Participants said their understanding of sexual violence and the meaning of consent varies, barriers to support and services need to be removed, and youth want to be part of community prevention efforts as the strategy is implemented.

In addition to the sessions in 2014, over 800 people gave feedback online. These comments are helping to inform the province's first sexual violence strategy, which will be released next month.

A summary of comments and the full report are available at novascotia.ca/coms/svs/ .