Sexual Violence Support Centre | Bishop's University

We believe you

Bishop’s University is deeply committed to providing a safe learning environment free from sexual and gender-based violence. We use an intersectional feminist, survivor-centered and trauma-informed lens when supporting survivors and educating our community. If you have experienced a sexual assault or other types of sexual or gender-based violence, you are not to blame. Bishop’s has resources that can support you directly or help you get the support you need.

We understand that individuals who have experienced unwanted act of a sexual nature will identify with different terms. The term survivor/victim is used on our website and policy to create space for the readers to use the word that feels the most comfortable to them without judgment on the choice.

The SVSC

The Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC) falls under Student Affairs but serves the Bishop’s community around all issues pertaining to sexual and gender-based violence. Services are offered to students, staff and faculty members.

The SVSC, through the work of the Sexual Violence Response Advisors (SVRAs), acts as the primary point of contact for members of the University community who have experienced any form of sexual and gender-based violence or need advice on how to address an incident that has been disclosed to them.

The SVRA’s education, support and advocacy work strives to be non-judgmental, intersectional, trans & queer positive, survivor-centered and trauma-informed.

When you come to the Centre, know that the SVRAs will offer confidential and non-directional support to those who have been impacted by sexual and gender-based violence, in English or in French. The SVRA helps to explore the survivor’s needs regarding support and provides short and long-term accommodations. Whether the incident occurred recently or not, we are here for you and we will honour your individual healing process.

The SVSC offers support to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks who may experience gender-based violence and can act as their advocate in any process or procedures they may wish to engage in with the university to better their sense of safety, integrate better practices and build awareness.

The SVRAs coordinate all trainings and communication to the community in all matters linked to the Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Violence.

Information & Resources from the SVSC

What is a disclosure?

A disclosure is when someone shares their experience of sexual or gender-based violence with someone else, either verbally or in writing. A disclosure is often a part of one’s healing journey – which are all unique and valid.

Disclosing directly to the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC)

The Centre, through the work of the Sexual Violence Response Advisors (SVRAs), acts as the primary point of contact for members of the Bishop’s community who have experienced any form of sexual and gender-based violence.

When a survivor/victim discloses to a Sexual Violence Response Advisor (SVRA), they will be listened to and believed. The SVRA will explore their needs and safety, and explore the options that are available to them. Please note the Centre strives to work with survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches, which means that individual support and actions taken will vary according to the healing journey, needs and situation of each survivor/victim. A disclosure with the Sexual Violence Support Centre shouldn’t discourage or prevent a person from seeking support or assistance outside of the university.

A disclosure:

Can result in accommodations immediate measures on campus (e.g. a no-contact order).
Can be made regarding events of sexual or gender-based violence experienced outside of the Bishop’s community or by someone who is not linked to university to seek support from one of the SVRAs.
Doesn’t automatically initiate a formal complaint process (FCSV). Some survivors/victims do not wish to go through a formal process, and that’s okay.
Doesn’t necessarily require a survivor/victim to share extensive details on the acts or identity of the perpetrator.

Disclosure paths that will lead back to the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC)

In Person with Campus Security
A BUSR is a written account of an incident of sexual or gender-based violence filled with Campus Security. When an incident report involving sexual or gender-based violence is filed with Campus Security, then the survivor/victim is presented with resources on and off campus and the Sexual Violence Support Centre is notified. In the following days, a Sexual Violence Response Advisor will reach out to the survivor/victim to offer support if they want to.

Formal Complaint of Sexual Violence (FCSV)

A formal complaint consists of filling out a complaint form in writing stating a breach of this policy. A formal complaint must be submitted by the survivor/victim of sexual or gender-based violence and cannot be submitted on behalf of another individual. The Sexual Violence Response Advisors may assist a survivor/victim throughout this process. The formal complaint form needs to be submitted to the General Counsel of the university to trigger an assessment by an external assessor. In conformity with Section 7 of the Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Violence. Formal Complaint Form.

Please note that a Formal Complaint of Sexual Violence cannot be an anonymous process. The respondent in the complaint will have access to the information on the complaint form (e.g. name of the complainant, the policy it invokes a breach of and the nature of the complaint). When the complaint is determined as receivable under the Policy, an official external investigation will start. The external investigator will provide a detailed report on their findings and recommendations within 90 days after the formal complaint was first received.

In cases where a Formal Complaint is determined to be well founded, sanctions and disciplinary measures, such as suspension or expulsion from the University, could be taken against the respondent.

Nothing in this Policy and a formal complaint process is intended to discourage or prevent a person from seeking assistance or pursuing a complaint with external authorities such as the police, the courts or administrative tribunals. The FCSV process is not one to establish innocence/guilt of a respondent, but if the policy was breached.

Info-Santé – 811

The services are confidential and available in both English and French, 24/7. Free services for everyone, who want to access health and psychosocial support, for non-urgent issues.

Contact information:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/finding-a-resource/info-sante-811
For the support Line, dial 811, option 2 for social services

CALACS – Women’s Center for help with and to fight against sexual assault

Services in English, French, and Spanish for individuals who identify as women. They offer accompaniment for survivors/victims to the hospital, police station or the court house. They offer individual support and group counselling services.

Contact information:
http://www.calacsestrie.com/
24/7 Crisis and Support Line: 819-563-9999 or toll-free 1-877-563-0793 calacsestrie@videotron.ca

Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre (LDWC)

LDWC is a community organization serving individuals who identify as women throughout the Estrie region. This Centre offers sexual assault support services for women, including confidential counselling in a safe space. The Centre provides support for all forms of sexual violence.

Contact information:
https://www.ldwc.ca
819-564-6626
info@ldwc.ca

SHASE (Soutien aux hommes agressés sexuellement Estrie)

SHASE is a community organization that offers support to individuals who identify as men who experience, or have experienced sexual assault in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Website and individual support is available in English & French, group activities are only available in French.

Contact information:
https://shase.ca/
819-933-3555
230, rue King Ouest #206, Sherbrooke

TransEstrie

Community organization that offers support, services and advocacy work by and for trans, non-binary and questioning people. Most of their services are available in French & English.

Contact information:
https://transestrie.org/
Phone or text: 873-989-2949
services@transestrie.org
69, rue Wellington Nord, Sherbooke

Empower Me

Mental health support for students, provided by professionals with various domains of expertise, including psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nutrition, etc., who can respond effectively to diverse needs. You can access services via telephone or videoconference, multilingual services.

Contact information:
https://www.studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_RRURoyalRoadsUniversity_EmpowerMe_EmpowerMe
1-833-628-5589 (toll-free), available 24/7 from anywhere in Canada or the US.

CAVAC Estrie – Crime Victims Assistance Centre

CAVAC Estrie provides support services to victims and witnesses of crimes, including sexual assault. CAVAC staff members help individuals overcome the physical, psychological and social consequences of victimization, and assist in obtaining compensation for harm.

Contact information:
https://cavac.qc.ca/
819-820-2822 or 1-866-532-2822
info@cavacestrie.com

Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS)

You may contact the police directly, to file a complaint against your perpatrator under the criminal Code of Canada or seek other legal procedures. Please note that one of the Sexual Violence Response Advisors, or an employee of CALACS can request the Police to come meet with you at the SVSC or accompany you to the police station directly.

Contact information:
https://www.sherbrooke.ca/en/population-services/civil-protection-and-emergency-situations/police
819-821-5555
police@sherbooke.ca
575, rue Maurice-Houle, Sherbooke

Échec au crime – Anonymously reporting to the police to 1-800-711-1800 or at https://echecaucrime.com/en/providing-information-online/

RCMP – Royal Canadian Mounted Police Federal Police

A service for most provinces and territories in Canada other than Quebec and Ontario. They provide a cohesive and clear information on reporting sexual violence in Canada, in both English & French.

Contact information: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/relationship-violence/information-sexual-assault-survivors

Rebâtir

Free legal advice by lawyers for survivors/victims of sexual or domestic violence, Bilingual service English & French.

Contact information:
https://rebatir.ca/
1-833-732-2847
projet@rebatir.ca

Healing journeys are as singular has the individuals that will take part in them. They don’t need to be compared or to follow a linear path.

Please meet yourself and/or others with compassion and respect for the diverse ways that survivors make sense of their needs, experiences, trauma, and choose to move through them.

Supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility and a part of changing the culture. A truly supportive community is one that is trauma-informed and survivor-centered.

This means understanding survivors to be the experts in their lives, and able to choose what is best for them at a particular moment in their life.

Online Resources on Healing

Sanctuary an online healing room

This online space features guided meditations, healing playlists, journaling, and activities for you to explore. You can click on almost every object in the room and you will be transported to an activity, resource, or tool to support you in your healing. You can explore more options for supported healing practices on the Me.Too main website.

Taste of Recovery

An online tool created by a survivor, for survivors of sexual violence & abuse. It provides you with information, tools, and techniques to help you avoid self-blame, feel more in control and create empowering rituals for yourself. It can be useful for partners, parents & friends of survivors too.

Trauma care

Offers a three-phase framework for trauma recovery, mindfulness tools and other healing practices. Resources for partners, parents & friends of survivors too.

HelpGuide.org

Offers resources and tools on multiple topics link to health in a holistic view, trauma, sexual violence and family/community care and support. You can find a 6 simple steps guide for healing and tools on dealing with flashbacks. It also offers many tools that can also be useful for partners, parents & friends of survivors too. Please note that some of the terms or language used on the website feel laden.

INSPQ- Disclosure on Social Media

Information and facts regarding the waves of online disclosures of SV and GBV in the recent year. Why people may choose to use this strategy, common questions on the perceptions and impacts of such disclosure and the legal aspect linked to it. Information available in French on the website.

Helpful Attitudes and Actions to Support a Survivor

You do not have to be a trained professional to help a survivor and you don’t need to focus on knowing all the answers. Here are guiding principles to help your response, divided in four categories, for when you receive a disclosure or are supporting a survivor.

Listen

You may be the first person they speak to about this. Take a deep breath. The person came to you because they feel that they can trust you! It is not easy to know exactly how to respond when someone discloses an experience of sexual or gender-based violence. Focus on their voice and only listen; this is not the time to add your perceptions or beliefs. Try to mirror their language.

Believe

Take the time to be explicit with the survivor about the fact that you believe them. Tell them they didn’t do anything wrong or to deserve it. Focus on their narrative. You shouldn’t ask for details or question their actions or the sequence of events; this is not your role and it can be harmful. Remind them that the only person responsible for the acts of violence is the individual-s who chose to cause harm.

Empower

Part of changing our culture is about integrating consent practices. It means having and offering choices as well as focusing on supporting decision in everything we do. Regaining a sense of control for survivors is often a central part of their healing process. Thus, making sure that your support to survivors ensures that they are the experts in their lives, and are able to choose what is best for themselves at a particular moment is crucial.

Send the power back at them. Let them lead. Ask them for what they need. You can offer your presence, now and later in time for them to request when they need it. Refer them to professionals and resources.

Safety & Care

This aspect can vary immensely based on your relationship with the person and the context of the disclosure. Receiving a disclosure can be an emotionally and physically demanding experience. Allow yourself to stop and refer someone to the Centre or another professional. It’s a valid support strategy and can be done with great care. It’s a great sign of emotional safety and maturity. You don’t have to be disposed to receive them at all time or of everyone.

Focus on safety and care, for you and the survivor. Lead by example, because you matter in this equation too. You also have your own limits and emotional needs. It is okay to set boundaries respecting them. It’s the only way to ensure your own safety and to remain available to others. Practice self-care and know that it is okay for you to ask for help. Taking care of yourself is essential and it will help you help others. The Centre is here for you: as a partner, friend or parent of a survivor too.

Privacy and confidentiality are always a priority, but may vary in some situation to ensure safety. If you witness harm or the disclosure that you received is of a recent event, you can ask if they are in immediate danger or in need of medical attention. Refer and seek appropriate support to ensure immediate safety and ongoing care.

We believe that education is a primary tool in preventing sexual and gender-based violence. Education and training can take many forms; from yearly mandatory group trainings, online training, referrals to external resources, in-person and individual support, for all students, staff and faculty at Bishop’s.

If you would like to request a workshop, a training, or information on SV or GBV for your department, team, club, class, etc., please contact us at svsc@ubishops.ca and we will gladly analyze your needs.

We start each semester with in-person training in addition to ongoing initiatives via our social media and custom workshops/hand-outs created by our SVRAs on various topics related to SV/GBV & on relationships, sexuality & consent culture.

All students must take the first two training programs during Orientation Week and complete one annual online training module or attend one in person workshop by the SVSC.

Staff and faculty must similarly complete one online training module or attend one in person workshop by the SVSC, per year.

What is consent?

Without consent, any sexual act can be considered sexual violence. Sexual violence is term used to describe a wide range of unwanted direct or indirect acts, comments, behaviours committed through sexual practices or by targeting one’s sexuality or gender identity and/or expression.

Consent is free and ongoing. It is given with a clear “yes”, affirmative words, and “maybes” or any unclear communication should be treated like a “no”. People can change their minds and withdraw consent at any time. It is important for partners to communicate and pay attention to each other’s body language.

Based on the Canadian legal definition, consent cannot be given in a situation that involves an abuse of trust, power, or authority. Anyone who is unconscious cannot legally give consent (Department of Justice, 2021). Anyone who is, 17 years or younger, under the age of consent cannot give consent (Department of Justice, 2017). No one can claim ignorance nor their own intoxication to justify their acts and not respect someone consent.

What does gender-based violence mean?

Gender-based violence is a form of sexual violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term that refers to any unwanted actual, attempted, or threatened act of violence perpetrated against someone based on their gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. GBV disproportionately impacts people that identify as women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual) and gender-nonconforming people.

Do people lie about being sexually assaulted?

People very rarely make false reports about sexual assault, also not all acts of sexual violence are disclosed/reported.

Is there a difference between sexual assault and rape?

Survivors/victims can use the words that may feel the most appropriate to their experience.

Historically these words are linked to legal definitions, hence rape refers to unwanted sexual intercourse. Under the law, sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature, including rape and any other unwanted fondling or touching.

Should I report to the University or to the Police?

Both options are available to you.

If you wish to proceed with a police investigation which may lead to criminal charges you would need to make a report to the police. Bishop’s can guide and accompany you to the police station if you wish.

If you wish to initiate a formal report to Bishop’s, we will proceed with an external investigation which may lead sanctions of the perpetrator. A survivor/victim may also disclose to a Sexual Violence Response Advisor and receive emotional support and accommodations without engaging in a formal process.

Does the University suspend/expel those accused of sexual assault?

The University must proceed with an external investigation before acting against an identified perpetrator. While the investigation is ongoing, we can make accommodations for the survivor/victim. At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken depending on the findings.

What can I do if acts of sexual violence happen online?

You can get support from the University, since our policy covers online acts of sexual violence.

You can contact the police directly, or if sexual images of you are online without your consent these three resources that can help a survivor/victim act:

Secure & anonymous online form for reporting sexual and gender-based violence