Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence
Laurentian University strives to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff, and will not tolerate violence, discrimination, or harassment.
The University takes sexual harassment/violence very seriously. That means as a member of the Laurentian University community, you have the right to be free from sexual harassment/violence on Laurentian’s campus and anywhere a Laurentian University activity takes place. No person shall commit an act of sexual violence against any other person or threaten another person with sexual violence. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, degrading sexual imagery, distribution of sexual images or video without consent, cyber harassment and cyber stalking.
The University is proactive in promoting education and training related to the prevention of any form of violence on campus. Professionals trained in counselling, security and human rights are equipped to respond quickly and to pursue all necessary investigative avenues.
The University strives to ensure all students, faculty and staff understand the range of supports and services available and where to locate them, should they require support or advice. A list of resources and information has been compiled to assist students, faculty and staff to better understand what is available to them at Laurentian University, which can be found both on the website and in print. Brochures and further information can be accessed through the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and is defined as “a course of comments or conduct based on an individual’s sex or gender that is known, or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome”.
While sexual harassment usually involves repeated actions or statements, one incident can be serious enough and may be considered harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A person does not have to verbally object to sexual harassment for it to be harassment.
To view a copy of Laurentian University's Policy on Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence, please use the following link.
Consent
Consent – As it is defined under Laurentian University’s Policy on Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence
Consent refers to an active, direct, voluntary, and conscious choice and agreement to engage in any sexual activity by a person capable of consenting. Consent can be revoked at any time and cannot be assumed nor implied. These elements of consent must be implied. It is not acceptable for a person who is said to have engaged in sexual violence to use their own consumption of alcohol or drugs as an excuse for their mistaken belief that there was consent.
For further clarity, consent:
- Cannot be given by silence or the absence of a “no”;
- Cannot be given by an individual who is incapable of consenting due to intoxication by alcohol or drugs;
- Cannot be obtained through threats or coercion;
- Cannot be given if the person who is said to have engaged in sexual violence has abused a position of trust, power or authority; and
- Might not be given properly if an individual has a disability that limits them or their verbal or physical means of interaction. In these instances it has to be determined how consent will be established.
Survivor's Rights
Survivor's Rights – As Articulated under Laurentian University’s Policy on Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence
Survivors include every member of the Laurentian University community who live, work or study both on and off campus. Survivors will be believed and respected as the final decision-makers about their own best interests. The University will respect the choices of survivors as to what and how much they disclose about their experience and will strive to provide academic, housing and other available accommodations to support the survivor.
Survivors have the right:
- To be treated with dignity and respect;
- To be believed;
- To be informed of on-and-off campus supports and services;
- To decide whether or not to access available services;
- To choose those services they feel will be most beneficial;
- To decide whether to report to campus security and/or local police;
- To request a safety plan with Security;
- To initiate a formal complaint that could include an on-campus investigation with the institution’s full cooperation;
- To have reasonable and necessary actions taken to prevent further unwanted contact with the alleged perpetrator(s).
What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
What to do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted On or Off Campus
Sexual Assault is a criminal offense and is defined in the Criminal Code of Canada.
If you have been sexually assaulted:
Laurentian University Security is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. Security can assist you with contacting the police or getting you medical attention.
LU Security - 705-673-6562 or extension 6562
Health Sciences North (HSN) Violence Intervention & Prevention Program (VIPP) provides a diverse array of victim support services in connection with violence. If you have experienced violence and require service go to HSN Emergency Department and the VIPP Nurse On-Call will be paged. The VIPP nurse will respond within 30-45 minutes and provide a confidential assessment.
Services include:
- Medical assessment and treatment;
- Forensic documentation and photography;
- Anti-viral medication;
- Provide resources of counselling services; and
- Safety planning and risk assessment.
Health Sciences North - 705-523-7100 – ask for the VIPP nurse on call
Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS) are encouraged to be contacted as soon as possible should a survivor decide to do so. The University can arrange for a comfortable location to meet with a police officer – a request can be made to meet with a female or male police officer depending on your choice. Greater Sudbury Police Services will work with Laurentian University Security to collect information surrounding your complaint.
Greater Sudbury Police Services - 911 or 705-675-9171
If you choose not to report the assault to the police and only to Laurentian University, LU will consult with you and may conduct their own investigation that could result in sanctions, restrictions and discipline being imposed. You do not need to file a formal complaint in order to access services and/or accommodations.
The Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO) is a resource for all members of the Laurentian University community, including students, staff, and faculty. We assist with matters of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual violence and bullying.
EDHRO - 705-675-1151 extension 3427, edhr@laurentian.ca
On and Off Campus Resources
On and Off Campus Resources – For Persons Dealing with Sexual Violence/Harassment
Emergency Resources
- Greater Sudbury Police Services - 911 or 705-675-9171
- Health Sciences North - 705-523-7100 – ask for the VIPP nurse on call
- LU Security - 705-673-6562 or extension 6562
Laurentian Resources
- Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office
https://laurentian.ca/equity-diversity-and-human-rights
705-675-1151 extension 3427 - Counselling Support Services
https://laurentian.ca/counselling-support
705-673-6506 or extension 6506 - Health & Wellness Services
https://laurentian.ca/health-wellness
705-673-6546 or 705-675-1151 extension 1067 - Department of Student Life
705-675-1151 extension 3940
Off-Campus Resources
- Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
- Voices for Women Sexual Assault Centre
- Centre Victoria pour femmes
- Sudbury and Area Victim Services
- Good2Talk – Ontario’s Postsecondary Student Helpline
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Ontario Mental Health Helplines
- Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
EDHRO Pamphlets
Prevention
Prevention – Of Sexual Violence/Harassment
Safe Walk is a free service offered to all students, faculty, and staff. This service will safely escort students and employee, anywhere they need to go on campus.
Hours of operation: 7 days a week 8:00 am – 2:00 am
Safe Walk - 705-562-5456
Work Alone Program is for students, faculty and staff working alone after regular business hours. Contact Laurentian University Security and provide your name, location and length of anticipated stay. Security will stop by during routine patrols.
Work Alone Program - 705-673-6562 or ext. 6562