Winnipeg students say Donald Trump comments promote rape culture - Action News
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Winnipeg students say Donald Trump comments promote rape culture

Controversial comments made by U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump about groping and harassing women have some students concerned it could promote rape culture on campus.

'It's very concerning,' says University of Manitoba Student Union president

Donald Trump's sex assault allegations prompted these Winnipeg women to speak out about their own experiences

8 years ago
Duration 2:02
Donald Trump's sex assault allegations prompted these Winnipeg women to speak out about their own experiences

Controversial comments made by U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump about groping and harassing womenhave some studentsconcerned it could promoterape culture on campus.

CBC asked Winnipeg women for their thoughts on the leaked video of Trump thatsurfaced last week showing him and entertainment reporter, Billy Bush, engagingin a lewd conversationabout women.

Trump suggestedthat because he's a starhe could grab women's genitals and "do anything" to them.

University of Manitoba student Samantha Navarrosaid she's been hearing many guys laughing about the Trump commentson campus.

"Just like walking past other people, guys will like joke about it and women do take this seriously," she said.

Navarro said Trump's comments are "disgusting" and worries they may promote sexualharassmentagainst women, something she has experiencedmany times.

If Trump can do it, I can too

University student Denise Mugosasaid she's also concerned about Trump's comments adding she'sbeen gropedinbars, and has witnessedother incidents of sexual violence towards young women.

"It happens mostly at the club, like at a party, and I'll just be walking by and someone will grab my ass," Mugosa said.

"I don't try to make a bigdeal I just walk away because I feel like if I turned around and be like 'Hey what wasthat?' It's usually a huge guy, like, what if he punches me?"

MugosabelievesTrump's comments could influence more young men to think it's okay to touch women without their consent.

"I mean it's obviously going to encourage them to do it more cause they're like, 'Oh Donald Trump did this so I can do it too.'" said Mugosa.

"I think women should be concerned if this is someone that's in apotential place to run a country. It's very concerning," said Tanjit Nagra, president of the University of Manitoba Student Union.

Nagra said the university has adopted a consent culture campaign which raises awareness about sex assaults on campus.

"We have those conversations, we talk about what's appropriate and what's not," Nagra said.

Tammy Junghansis a student at the University of Manitoba who alsoruns a student based group called Red Frogs which encourages young people to make positivelifechoices.

She says the group attends socials on campuswherealcohol can play a role in sexual violence.

"All the time we're hearing stories like this about unwanted advances," Junghans said.

"We arein alcoholfuelledenvironments where we see a lot of predatory behaviour, in fact, I was able to intervene on attempted sexual assault at one of our socials."

"Sexual assault on campus is a discussion we've had for a very long time," said Dara Hallock, vice president of UMSU.

Hallock said the student union has seen an increase inrequests to hold more workshops and awareness campaigns about consent and sexual assault.