The University of Windsor has adopted a policy on sexual misconduct, and a new official is ready to provide support for its implementation.

Dusty Johnstone took up the position of sexual misconduct response and prevention officer on September 15. She promises to advocate for those experiencing or observing sexual misconduct, and cites three options identified in the policy.

“People can come to me to disclose an incident, simply to share their experiences,” she says. “They can report misconduct, to document an event but maintain confidentiality. Or they can file a complaint, which will trigger an investigation.”

She says her office will have no role in investigating complaints.

“It is its own arm’s length agency,” says Dr. Johnstone. “I’m there to support the person through the process and to be an advocate on their behalf.”

She also plans a continuing role in educating the campus community on the issue.

“With the Bystander Initiative and other projects here, Windsor has really set the bar in terms of education,” she says. “We are in a place now to move forward to produce a targeted institutional response to a societal problem.”

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman says he is very pleased to see Johnstone come on board to help students and the broader campus community on this important issue.

“Dr. Johnstone is well-known across campus and in the broader university sector for her work in this area,” he says. “We are exceptionally fortunate to have her available as a resource as we develop appropriate mechanisms to deal with sexual assault.”

Johnstone encourages anyone — student, staff or faculty member — to contact her at dustyj@uwindsor.ca or 519-253-3000, ext. 4550.