Sexual Violence

Sexual violence describes violence carried out through sexual means or targeting sexuality. This violence can be physical and/or psychological. It might also include: sexual abuse; stalking; sexual harassment; and/or sexual assault.

Common examples of sexual violence include:

• unwanted touching;
• forced kissing; rape; or
• forced oral sex

Sexual violence can also include:

• cyber harassment;
• sexualized exposure using social media; and
• discrimination based on sex, gender, or orientation.

How to help

All members of the NorQuest College community have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from sexual violence. Members of NorQuest College should foster a community free of sexual violence. Being familiar with the policy and procedures for responding to sexual violence is a great place to start.

If you receive a disclosure of sexual violence, it is common to feel uncertain about what to say or do. It is not easy for someone to disclose, but it shows a level of trust or safety that the survivor feels towards you. You and your reaction are key in the survivor’s experience.

If someone has experienced sexual violence and approaches you for support, here is how you can help:

Listen

• Allow the person to share their story without interruptions
• Listen without judgement
• Remain calm and respect their personal space
• Thank them for telling you, and remind them that sexual violence is never the responsibility of the survivor
• Consider these phrases: “I’m sorry that this happened to you”; “This is not your fault”; “I am glad you told me”

Believe

• Accept the disclosure as the truth
• Avoid asking “why” questions or probing for more information
• Validate their feelings and assure them that these are normal reactions
• Tell them that it is not their fault and that they made a good decision to tell someone

Empower

• Help them regain control by trusting them to make their own choices about what to do next
• Be mindful not to make promises that you cannot keep
• Do not give advice, but ask “What can I do to help you?”
• Explore options and refer to support services in the college
• Make every effort to respect confidentiality and anonymity
• Accept “no” as an answer. Some survivors may not be ready to seek professional help and that is their choice. Respect this decision unless in an emergency when someone's life may be in danger.

If you witness sexual violence

If you are a bystander to any form of sexual violence, you are responsible for reporting it.

Get help

For many people, the immediate aftermath of sexual violence can be very confusing. It is common for survivors to feel uncertain about what to do and where to turn. The following information can help you to find the resources and support that you may need.

It is important to recognize that you may choose to do nothing, and this is also a good option. Remember that every person’s experience is unique and only you know what is right for you.

If you are not sure what to do next, the following on-campus resources are available to you:

Supports for students

NorQuest Wellness Team (psychologists, social workers, nurses)
780.644.6155
wellness@norquest.ca

Office of Student Judicial Affairs
780.644.6490

Report

In an emergency call 911

Edmonton Police Services
780.423.4567

In non-emergent situations, call Campus Security
780.644.6225

Medical attention

Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) nurse access through Edmonton-area emergency rooms

STI Clinic
780.342.2300

Contact your family doctor

Other supports

Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
780.423.4102

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (open 24 hours)
780.423.4121

Saffron Centre
780.449.0900

Talk for Healing (Indigenous women support)
1.855.554.HEAL (4325)

For more resources you can call Edmonton 211
211 or 780.482.4636

Additional resources

Landed: Relationships and Consent in Canada - resource that helps newcomers to understand sexual violence in Canada. Topics include defining consent, sexual assault, and trauma. Provides examples of sexual harassment and community resources written in accessible language.

Supporting survivors of sexual violence - an online workshop that users can work through in their own time. Content includes the pyramid of discrimination and violence, and an intro to sexual violence and harassment. Other topics include consent, stigma and myths, and how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence.