Sexual Violence

Sexual violence broadly describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. This violence takes different forms including sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual violence can happen between people, online, or be part of the environment. Examples of sexual violence include unwanted touching, forced kissing, rape, or forced oral sex. Sexual violence also includes 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 a right to work and study in an environment that is free from sexual violence. Members of the college community are expected to encourage and support an environment free of sexual violence, and to know about the policy and the procedures for responding to sexual violence.

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 a person to disclose but remember that a survivor is telling you because they see you as a safe person, you 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
• Affirm the individual’s decision to tell you and communicate 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 true
• Avoid asking “why” questions or probe 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; simply 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, and avoid giving advice; accepting or refusing assistance must be left up to the individual, except in emergencies when life is in danger.

If you witness sexual violence

If you are a bystander to sexual violence, in any of its forms, your role is to report conduct that is dangerous or does not feel okay.

Get help

For many people, the time immediately after experiencing sexual violence can be very confusing. It is common to feel uncertain about what to do and where to turn. The following information can help you find the information and support 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 and need to understand your options, 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

NorQuest College Main Campus Security
780.644.6225

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 - a digital resource created by the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) that helps newcomers learn concepts of sexual violence in Canada. Topics include definitions of consent, sexual assault, trauma, examples of sexual harassment and community resources written in accessible language.

Self-guided workshop on supporting survivors of sexual violence. This is an online resource that users can work through in their own time. Content includes the pyramid of discrimination and violence, and intro to sexual violence and harassment, consent, stigma and myths, and how to effectively respond to disclosures of sexual violence.