Understanding Sexual Violence
Understanding Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment
Sexual violence, as defined in our policies, refers to any act or behavior targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression that is committed, threatened, or attempted without their consent. This may include both physical and psychological actions.
SecurLU-UL
SecurLU-UL is a unique app that provides students, faculty and staff with added safety on the Laurentian University campus. The app will send you important safety alerts and provide instant access to campus safety resources.
SafeRide
SafeRide is a free service offered to all students, faculty, and staff at Laurentian University. This service safely escorts students and employees anywhere on campus.
Work Alone Program
Work Alone Program is for those faculty, staff or students who find themselves working alone after regular business hours, in isolated areas of the University. To utilize this program, simply contact the Security Control Center and provide the operator with your name, where you are located and your length of anticipated stay. Security will stop by your lab/classroom/office during routine patrols.
You can also choose to use the SecurLU-UL App and access the WorkAlone Program. The app allows you to "check in" periodically while working alone or during late hours. If you don't respond, the app will alert Campus Security.
Types of Actions
Sexual Assault
Any type of sexual contact without mutual consent, ranging from kissing and fondling to intercourse or other sexual acts. Any physical contact of a sexual nature without consent is considered sexual assault.
Sexual Harassment
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 often involves repeated actions or statements, even a single incident can constitute harassment. It is important to note that a person does not need to verbally object for the behaviour to be considered harassment.
Other Forms of Sexual Violence
- Slapping someone’s butt
- Voyeurism
- Joking about violence
- Sharing intimate photos of others
- Revenge porn
- Stealthing
- Trying to get your partner in the mood when they’ve said "no"
- Stalking
- Getting someone drunk to hook up
- Threatening to force sexual acts
- Street harassment
- Continuing to flirt after they've said they're not interested
- Not stopping sex when your partner changes their mind
- Cyber harassment
Drink Spiking Awareness
What is it?
Drink spiking is when alcohol or a drug is added to your drink without your knowledge or consent. Drink spiking makes the survivor more vulnerable to sexual assault, human trafficking, robbery, abduction and injury. Drink spiking can occur anywhere (bars, clubs, private homes, pubs, festivals, universities or work). Drink spiking can happen to anyone at any time.
Can you identify if your drink has been spiked?
No, the substances added to your drink can be odourless, tasteless and colourless.
What can you do to protect yourself from drink spiking?
- Buy your own drinks and watch them being prepared
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Use NightCaps, available at the EDHRO A-113 and SEC A-126