Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a broad term that includes sexual violence, gender-based violence, and other forms of violence or harm that target a person’s sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender.

Sexual violence can be physical, psychological, verbal, online, or technology-facilitated. It can happen in person or online and may involve strangers, acquaintances, friends, dating or intimate partners, family members, or people in positions of trust, authority, or power.

Sexual violence does not always involve physical force or visible injuries. It can involve pressure, manipulation, coercion, threats, abuse of power, or taking advantage of someone who is unable to consent.

Examples can include:

• Sexual assault or rape
• Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual contact
• Sexual coercion or reproductive coercion
• Stalking or cyberstalking
• Voyeurism or sexualized exposure
• Non-consensual sharing of intimate images or recordings
• Image-based sexual abuse
• Sextortion
• Online sexual harassment
• Technology-facilitated abuse
• Sexual exploitation or human trafficking
• Stealthing or non-consensual removal of a condom
• Sexualized threats, intimidation, or coercive control
• Sexual violence within dating or intimate relationships
• Sexual violence in workplaces, educational settings, placements, or other environments

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence

Technology can be used to facilitate, continue, or monitor sexual and gender-based violence. This can include sharing or threatening to share intimate images, sexual deepfakes or AI-generated intimate images, sextortion, online harassment, cyberstalking, unwanted sexual messages or images, impersonation, unauthorized account access, location tracking, spyware, or using technology to threaten, control, isolate, or exploit someone.

Intimate Partner & Dating Violence

Sexual and gender-based violence can occur within current or former dating and intimate relationships. It can include sexual assault, coercion, reproductive coercion, controlling behaviour, stalking, threats, harassment, technology-facilitated abuse, or sharing intimate images without consent.

Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation

Sex trafficking is a form of sexual exploitation that can involve force, coercion, fraud, or deception to obtain or exchange sexual acts for something of value. Trafficking can occur in person or online and may involve manipulation, threats, isolation, financial control, emotional abuse, or exploitation of trust or dependency.

Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence directed at someone because of their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, or technology-facilitated.

GBV can also be intensified by racism, colonialism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty, and other forms of systemic discrimination.

You do not need to determine whether an experience meets a legal or criminal definition before seeking support. If something makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, pressured, violated, or unsure, you can reach out.

If you have experienced or witnessed sexual or gender-based violence, you have options. You can disclose, make a formal report, or take time to decide what feels right for you.

Disclosure

A disclosure allows you to share your experience and access support, information, resources, and assistance without requesting a formal investigation.

You remain in control of what happens next. You can ask questions, explore your options, and decide what steps, if any, you want to take.

Report

A report means you are asking Algoma University to formally respond to and investigate an incident. This may involve contacting individuals involved, gathering information, and addressing the matter through applicable University processes, including the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct where applicable.

A report can be made by the person who experienced the incident or by someone reporting on their behalf.

Not Sure What You Want to Do?

You do not have to decide immediately. Email [email protected] to discuss your options, ask questions, and learn about available supports before deciding whether you want to disclose or report.

To disclose or report an incident, complete the Sexual Violence Report & Disclosure Form.

Confidentiality & Your Rights

Information shared with the University is treated confidentially and is only shared as necessary to provide support or respond appropriately. There are limited circumstances where the University may be required to act, including a serious and imminent risk of harm, concerns about the safety of a child or youth under 16, or other legal obligations such as a court subpoena. We will explain any applicable limits to confidentiality.

Reporting an experience of sexual or gender-based violence will not impact your immigration status. You will also not be penalized for alcohol or drug use that occurred during your experience of violence.

You can access trauma-informed, survivor-centred support without making a formal report and without receiving a healthcare examination.

To understand your rights as a complainant or respondent, please review the Sexual Violence Policy.

When you email [email protected], a Coordinator will connect with you to explore what support would be helpful.

Support may include:

• Information about your options
• Personalized support
• Safety planning
• Referrals and community connections
• Advocacy
• Connections to campus resources
• Information about reporting and disclosure processes

You do not need to report an incident to access support.

When you email, you can let us know if you have preferences about how or when we contact you. Responses may take up to 48 hours depending on when your email is received.

If you have experienced a recent incident of sexual violence, you may choose to access medical care. Healthcare professionals can provide support related to injuries, pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy concerns, preventative medications, and other health needs.

Seeking medical attention is completely your choice.

You do not need to report to police or Algoma University to receive medical care.

Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs)

You may also choose to have a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit completed by a specially trained healthcare professional. An evidence kit may collect forensic evidence that could be used if you later decide to report to police.

• Having an evidence kit is your choice.
• You can receive medical care without having an evidence kit.
• Having an evidence kit does not require you to report to police.
• You can report to police even if you did not have an evidence kit completed.
• The sooner you access care, the more likely forensic evidence may be available to collect.

Specialized sexual assault care is available through Ontario’s Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. If a specialized centre is not available in your area, you can visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

Ontario-wide navigation:
1-855-NAV-SADV (1-855-628-7238) — available 24/7 to help connect you with appropriate services.

Regional Services

Brampton / Peel Region
Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital
Chantel’s Place – Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services
100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON
905-848-7580 ext. 2548

Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Area Hospital – Sexual Assault Care Centre / Partner Assault Clinic
705-759-5143

Timmins
Contact your local hospital emergency department and ask about sexual assault services, or use the Ontario-wide directory to locate the nearest specialized centre.

You are in control of which services you choose to access. You can seek medical care, counselling, or other support without deciding whether you want to report.

Support is available whether an experience happened recently or years ago.

To connect with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Team, email [email protected].

For general mental health support, contact the Wellness Team at [email protected]. The team can help you explore mental health supports that may suit your needs.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 911.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to connect with a responder anytime, in English or French.

Your safety matters. If you are in immediate danger or there is an emergency on campus, call 911 and/or Campus Security.

Campus Security

• Sault Ste. Marie: 705-949-2301 ext. 4444
• Timmins: 705-235-6842
• Brampton: 905-451-0100 ext. 5555

AU Safe App

Students can download the AU Safe App for quick access to campus safety resources, emergency contacts, and features such as Mobile BlueLight and Friend Walk.

Personal Safety Alarms

Students can pick up a personal safety alarm to carry on campus. Alarms can be used to draw attention and alert others if you feel unsafe or need assistance.

For information about obtaining a safety alarm, contact the Wellness Team.

If danger is imminent, call 911.

The Wellness Team, alongside campus and community partners, offers opportunities throughout the year to learn about sexual and gender-based violence prevention, healthy relationships, consent, and safety.

Training & Workshops

• Bringing in the Bystander (BITB)
• Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Disclosures and Reports
• Consent and Healthy Relationships
• De-escalation and Bystander Intervention
• Sexual and Mental Wellbeing
• Fraud Awareness and Romance Scams
• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
• Campus Safety and Support Resources

Awareness Events & Campaigns

• Consent Awareness Week
• 16 Days of Activism
• Stop the Traffick
• Menstrual Health Day
• Sexual Abuse/Assault Prevention Month

All Algoma University supports and services are free and open to students of all genders and diverse lived experiences.

Want to arrange sexual violence prevention training or a workshop for your department? Contact [email protected].

BIPOC & Indigenous Support

Healing in Colour
A directory of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) therapists and professionals across Canada.

Algoma University Elder in Residence
Provides culturally grounded support and connection. Contact the Wellness Team for current appointment information.

Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
Free and confidential support for survivors of sexualized violence, including an Indigenous Support Program.
24-hour crisis and information line: 1-877-392-7583

Crisis & Specialized Supports

Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres – Find a Centre

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
24-hour crisis support for women in Ontario who have experienced abuse, including sexual violence.
1-866-863-0511 | TTY: 1-866-863-7868 | Mobile: #SAFE (#7233)

Talk4Healing
Free, culturally safe 24/7 helpline, text, and chat service for Indigenous women in Ontario.
1-855-554-4325

Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
24/7 multilingual crisis and referral support for male survivors of sexual violence, including recent and historical experiences.
1-866-887-0015

Community Sexual Assault Services

Peel Region & Dufferin County — Family Transition Place
24-hour support/information line: 1-800-265-9178
Orangeville: 519-941-HELP (4357)
Brampton: 905-584-HELP (4357)

Sault Ste. Marie — Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc.
24-hour crisis line: 705-759-1230
Toll-free: 1-877-759-1230

Timmins — Timmins & Area Women in Crisis
Sexual Assault Centre: 705-268-8380
Crisis line: 1-877-268-8380
Office: 705-268-8381

Toronto — Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape
24/7 crisis line and text: 416-597-8808