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 Safety and/or local police;
  • To request a safety plan with Campus Safety;
  • 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).

Survivor Support and Trauma-informed Care

The Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights Office provides confidential, non-judgmental support to all members of the Laurentian community who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. Adopting a trauma-informed and survivor-centric approach, the EDHRO prioritizes:

  • Safety, trust, and empowerment
  • Inclusive spaces for healing
  • Transparent communication and collaboration

Grounded in cultural sensitivity and a commitment to centering the needs of survivors, the EDHRO works to minimize re-traumatization and build an equitable and respectful community. 

What to do If You Have Experienced Sexual Violence On or Off

Laurentian University Security

Laurentian University Security is available 24/7, 365 days a 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)

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. A sexual assault evidence kit can be completed up until 12 days after the assault. Health Sciences North - 705-523-7100 – ask for the VIPP nurse on call.
 

  • Services include:
    • Medical assessment and treatment;
    • Forensic documentation and photography;
    • Anti-viral medication;
    • Provide resources of counselling services; and
    • Safety planning and risk assessment.

Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS)

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
 

  • To better serve our community, GSPS has made a number of incidents reportable online through their Online Reporting System - CopLogic. The online reporting system is accessible from any computer or smart device and can be used 24/7 at your convenience. More information on Online Reporting can be found here.

If You Choose Not to Report the Assault

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.