Sexual Violence Support and Response

• Get Support
• Give Support
• Resources
• More Information and Policy

This page is a place where survivors of all backgrounds and identities can find support and information about sexual violence, prevention and response. It’s also a place where campus members can find tips on how to provide the best support possible to survivors who choose to report, disclose or make a complaint.

If you're not sure what to do or where to turn, a good starting point is contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity.  We will listen and, when you’re ready, we can give you information about what your options are, how you can find more support and next steps you might consider taking.

Get Support

Importance of Consent

• Any sexual activity without consent is sexual assault. This means that there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words that indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.  Consent must be informed, freely given and active.  It is the responsibility of the initiator of sexual activity to obtain clear and affirmative responses at all stages of sexual engagement.
• Saying “no” at all stages of sexual engagement means- No!
• Silence means No!
• "I'm not sure" means No!
• "I'm scared" means No!
• Only YES!, or an already agreed affirmative sign for those who are non-verbal means YES!

Things to remember:

• It’s okay to not be okay
• Your voice matters
• Trust yourself 
• You have the right to be safe

Our Commitment to Survivors:

Sexual violence can impact a survivor's physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health and wellbeing. Survivors can expect:

• A survivor-centred approach, believing and respecting all individuals who identify their experience as sexual violence as being the best judge of their own interests
• Ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and respect
• Accommodating the special needs and intersectional realities of equity-seeking groups in the supports and services they receive
• Providing those who have experienced sexual violence with comprehensive information about disclosing, reporting, and complaint options
• Ensuring on-campus (internal) investigation and adjudication procedures are available to those who make complaints of sexual violence; 
• Providing education and information to students, faculty and staff about how to identify situations that involve, or could progress into, sexual violence and about how to reduce and prevent these forms of violence and harassment. 

Report to the Office of Human Rights and Equity

• Located at LI 5012
• We are a safe space committed providing information on disclosure, reporting and complaint process.
• If you choose to report, you have several options. We can assist you in understanding each option so that you have all the necessary information to make an appropriate decision that best suits your needs.

Report to the Police

• Call 911
• Reports can be made in an effort to pursue criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada
• Detailed log of names (if you know their identity), dates, times and settings will be needed 

Give Support

What is Disclosure and What to Expect

Disclosure occurs when a survivor confides in an individual about an incident

Steps To Take If You Receive Disclosure:

1. Ensure their safety
   1. If the immediate safety of the survivor is at risk, contact Lakehead Security Services at (807) 343-8911 or dial 8911 from a University phone.
   2. If you are witnessing a current act of violence on campus, contact Lakehead Security Services at (807) 343 -8911 or dial 8911 from a University phone.
   3. If immediate safety is not at risk, ask the individual if they would prefer to move to a more comfortable/private location, or a safe place such as the Office of Human Rights and Equity, Room LI 5012
2. If the survivor does not want help, encourage them to tell a person they trust
3. Offer them on campus or off campus resources found under Resources

How Can YOU Provide Support?

• Believe them
• Practice active listening
• Listen without judgement- It’s not their fault
• Ensure they are not alone and provide support

Resources

On Campus Supports

Off-Campus 

Thunder Bay

Orillia:

More Information and Policy

• Sexual Violence Response Policy
• Report on the Consultation Process
• Sexual Violence Response Flow Chart