Sexual harassment: ETS student wins after a long fight

Kimberley Marin experienced the most humiliating event of her life during an introductory activity in 2015 at the École de technologie superieure (ETS). More than four years later, she finally earned $ 34,500 in property, moral and punitive damages, but her victory goes well beyond dollars.

After being humiliated by a group of men, the young woman was not taken seriously by several stakeholders within the educational institution.

On the plateau of Quebec MorningKimberley Marin recounted what happened during this initiation where all graduate students were disguised as Hawaiian fashion.

"At first I thought it was funny guys with skirts and flower necklaces," she said. But in the afternoon, four or five guys decided to take me by force from behind. They tore off my skirt and I found myself buttocks in front of everyone in a predominantly male environment. "

After hearing her story, her student association representative then asked her what she expected, since she was "dressed in Hawaiian".

The student pursued her case with great determination. She had to meet several people at the ETS.

"Finally, I spoke to the Director of Student Services," she added. I told him about sexism that I lived regularly. In the end, he told me: "Tse, there are some who victimize themselves", with a condescending air.

Since then, the grouping Quebec against sexual violence, of which Ms. Marin is a part, made significant gains. In particular, it has passed a law requiring all post-secondary institutions to raise awareness and establish policies to take action to promote the rights of students.

The decision obtained by Kimberley Marin also goes further with regard to the ETS. Every year, all students and all staff will have to undergo training. A precise protocol for taking care of the victims will also be established.

"When I filed my complaint, I wrote, word for word," I want the commission to set standards and policies for the community to be sensitized and protected. " That's what I asked, I did not ask for any amount of money, "she explained.

Kimberley Marin works for the Human Rights Commission today. She wants the public to know that there are consequences when there is sexual harassment.