HALIFAX – As students in Nova Scotia get ready to head back to class, two issues are being talked about — binge drinking and sexual assault.
Nova Scotia students’ unions have partnered with the province for multiple projects that aim to reduce the risks associated with binge drinking.
“The rates are higher in Nova Scotia than anywhere else in the country, and they’re higher among students then the general public,” said Jonathan Williams, the executive director of Students Nova Scotia.
University students agree there is a culture of drinking in the city, especially when living on campus. It can often lead to over-consumption.
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“A lot of kids coming to campus for their first time, it’s their first time away from home and they get to really break free and figure out where their limits are,” said Alex Meehan, a resident assistant on campus. “Sometimes they go over those limits.”
The other issue being explored is preventing sexual assault.
“Sexual assault is the most prevalent among people that are the typical age of going to university,” said Williams. “You think about Nova Scotia having the highest rates of sexual assault in the country. You’re looking at some of the most vulnerable people in the country for sexual assault.”
Meehan would like to see society change the way it handles sexual assault, but also encourages young women to take precautions.
“Be aware of your surroundings. If you are drinking, you know make sure you’re not alone,” she said.
Caroline Paszkowski, a first-year student from Ontario, agrees with Meehan.
“Don’t walk around alone at night obviously, just take those little steps. Don’t accept drinks from people that are freely giving them out.”
The total cost for the project is $46.156, with the province providing $31,291 and students’ unions covering $13,465. The remaining $1,400 will come from Cape Breton University.
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