Supporting Others Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence or Sexual Misconduct

Quick Exit

Everyone is responsible for the prevention of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. The information below provides directions on how to respond if you witness an incident of sexual violence or misconduct, or if someone discloses an allegation of sexual violence and/or sexual misconduct to you. 

Individuals affected by sexual violence or sexual misconduct should have control over decisions related to their experience, including whether to report to campus authorities or the police.

If you have witnessed or become aware of sexual violence and/or sexual misconduct:

• Help ensure the community member involved finds a safe space;
• Listen without judgment and accept the disclosure as true by demonstrating that you believe them;
• Convey that sexual violence or misconduct is never the responsibility of the person affected by it;.
• Respect the individuals right to confidentiality and anonymity; 
• Help the individual identify and/or access available on- or off-campus support services, but respect the individual's right to choose the services they find most appropriate, including their decision on whether or not to report the incident to the police and/or Emergency Management and Public Safety.

If the individual is in immediate physical danger:

• Contact the Emergency Management and Public Safety Department on Campus; available 24/7:
  
  • Emergency Helpline: 416-439-4357 (HELP)
  • Emergency Extension: 416-289-5000, ext. 52020
  • Or- Pick up a Yellow Emergency Phone
• Call 911

If it is not an emergency, refer the individual to the following contacts for further guidance and support. Assure the individual that consulting with any of these individuals or services does not mean that they are automatically filing a formal report. The decision to do so is up to them.