CREDIT: REDSTALLION
The Interrobang asked mayoral candidates for their thoughts on preventing sexual violence in London.

Addressing sexual violence is important in every election, be it on the municipal, provincial or federal level. The Interrobang asked several of London's mayoral candidates how they plan to prevent sexual violence and make the city a safer community for everyone.

Paul Cheng

“I don't think anybody wants to be a sexual predator. But you have to educate them.”

Cheng said that he would work to prevent sexual violence by promoting education and a message of respect to the city of London.

Ed Holder

“You have to encourage an atmosphere where people can come forward safely.”

Holder said he has noticed a cultural shift in that people are more ready than ever to speak out against inappropriate activities, and would encourage this atmosphere as mayor by supporting facilities like My Sister's Place, a drop-in centre for vulnerable women and girls.

Dan Lenart

“We have a problem with rape culture in general,” Lenart said. “We need to get the message out that these things are no longer acceptable, not just the young people in colleges but all the way up.”

Jordan Minter

Minter said that in light of the provincial government's alterations to the sexual education curriculum, he would promote consent with seminars in post-secondary schools.

“We've got to teach [consent] early, and we've got to teach it often.”

Sean O'Connell

“Sexual violence in London is a very difficult challenge to address. Part of the problem stems from the fact that most of this is domestic abuse, not necessarily just the random person on the street […] I think it really boils down to making sure there that the supports are there for women to seek out.”

O'Connell said he would work to raise awareness of supports available for women and men experiencing domestic abuse, along with promoting education on the nature of domestic and sexual violence.

Paul Paolatto

Having spent six years on the police board, Paolatto said he understands how important it is for the police to listen to and investigate reports of sexual violence.

“There's a high need for police to receive these complaints or requests or concerns or accusations of violence with a great deal of respect and sensitivity, and an understanding that generally these women are right on these issues. Because they're right they need to be treated as if they're right and investigated accordingly. And that's the only way we're going to start to change the culture and make sure people understand that there's consequences associated with irresponsible behaviour.”

Other mayoral candidates were unavailable for comment by the time this article went to print.