Sexual violence

All members of the NorQuest College community have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from 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 sexual assault.

Common examples of sexual violence include:

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

Sexual violence can also include:

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

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:

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

Office of Student Judicial Affairs: 780.644.6490

Reporting

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 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): 1.855.554.4325

For more resources you can call Edmonton 211 or 780.482.4636

How to help

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.

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.

Regional contact information for Wetaskiwin campus

Organization Services Contact
Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre Offers immediate crisis intervention, court, hospital, RCMP accompaniment, educational groups and court preparation for victims of sexual assault in Central Alberta. 1.866.956.1099
Primary Care Network Offers a variety of resources such as medical and counselling supports WetaskiwinPCN.ca
Mental Health Helpline Offers confidential, anonymous service, crisis intervention, information about mental health programs and services along with referrals. It is toll-free within Alberta. 1.877.303.2642
R.C.M.P
(Emergency)
If you are feeling unsafe or in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call local police. 911
R.C.M.P
(Complaints)
If you would like to file a complaint against someone with the local police, this department will assist you filing the complaint. Complaint line: 1.780.312.7276
R.C.M.P
(Victim Services)
Offers support in a variety of areas as you overcome your experience; there are both province-wide supports as well as local resources available. Local: Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services

Province-wide: Victim Services Alberta
Wetaskiwin Community Health Centre Offers a variety of supports, such as a sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic. 5610 40 Avenue
Wetaskiwin, AB

780.361.4362