Laurier Support and Resources for Sexual Violence Survivors
The recent news coverage of incidents of sexual violence has been distressing to many, especially those who have experienced sexual violence themselves. Sexual violence is a pervasive, societal problem and a substantial problem at universities across Canada.
Laurier takes the needs of survivors of sexual violence extremely seriously and is committed to doing everything possible to support survivors, as outlined in the university’s Prevention of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures. The university provides education and awareness initiatives that change attitudes and reduce the prevalence of gendered and sexual violence.
“Laurier is committed to fostering a culture of consent where gendered and sexual violence is unacceptable and is not tolerated in any form,” says Sarah Scanlon, manager of sexual violence response in Laurier’s Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. “We are also focused on both building our collective bystander skills to recognize and intervene in gendered- violence when we witness it and supporting survivors with compassion and respect. People impacted by gender-based violence deserve safety, solidarity, and support.”
Laurier’s Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management is available to provide support to all members of the Laurier community who have been impacted by gendered or sexual violence, both on and off campus, including through:
- Safety planning
- Referrals to counselling and medical services
- Trauma-informed care resources
- Academic and campus accommodations
- Helping survivors understand and navigate the on- and off-campus reporting and complaint options available
- Helping to navigate systems and resources within the university and the broader community
- Supporting communications between the survivor and the university
- Providing advocacy within university systems and legal systems
- Understanding limits to confidentiality
If you have been impacted by sexual violence, you are not alone and there are many resources available to you at Laurier and in the community. Every formal complaint received by the university is investigated. All sexual violence cases are confidential.
All services are available in person, over the phone or through email. Find out more on the Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support website or email svinfo@wlu.ca.
The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management will be offering weekly drop-in support sessions for survivors of sexual violence; workshops focusing on healing from sexual trauma; and programming specifically for survivors from the LGBTQ2S+ and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities. Visit the Education and Events page and follow Consent is Golden on social media for more information (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
Laurier regularly reviews and updates its Prevention of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures and the programs and services it offers to prevent and address sexual violence on campus through the Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force, launched in 2014. The task force includes action groups on gendered and sexual violence response and education and a student advisory committee.
RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS:
Laurier’s Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Supports:
- 519.884.1970 x4847
- svinfo@wlu.ca
Crisis lines:
Sexual Assault Support and Crisis Lines:
- Waterloo: 519.741.8633
- Brantford: 519.751.3471
Here 24/7 crisis support and referrals:
- Here247.ca
- 1.844.437.3247
Support Service for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault:
- 1.888.887.0015
Trans Lifeline (staffed by transgender people for transgender people):
- 1.877.330.6366
Counselling:
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region:
- 519.741.8633
In an emergency:
- Call 911
Special Constable Services:
- Waterloo: 519.885.3333 (external phones) or x3333 (on-campus phones)
Via wlu.ca.
