If you have experienced gender-based violence or have been sexually assaulted:
- Find a safe location
- Call 911 or Campus Security immediately at 780-623-5587
Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention Handbook
All members of Portage College community have a right to work, study and live on campus in an environment that is free from any form of gender-based violence or sexual violence. It is absolutely not acceptable to initiate sexual contact with anyone who does not consent. Gender-based violence and sexual violence affects people of all ages, sexual orientations, genders and relationship. Watch the following Consent Video - It's as simple as tea.
Gender-based Violence
An umbrella term that includes sexual violence and other forms of “use and abuse and control over another person” that are “perpetrated against someone based on their gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender” (BCFED, 2018, as cited in Khan, Rowe & Bidgood, 2019, p. 10). Forms of gender-based violence include: physical violence; online violence/technology-facilitated violence; sexual violence including sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual exploitation; spiritual abuse; financial abuse; harassment including stalking; and emotional and psychological violence including put-downs, bullying, threats and intimidation.
FOR HELP
- Call 911 or Campus Security at 780-623-5587 or go the campus Security Office
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible - even if you don't have any visible injuries
Counselling Services are available to you:
- During business hours call toll free1-866-623-5551, ask for Portage Counselling contact information.
- After hours call Campus Security 780-623-5587, ask for Portage Counselling contact information.
If you are in immediate danger or need help, call 911.
You can report to the police at any time as there is no time limit for reporting sexual assault in Canada. If you report to the police, you are not required to press charges for a criminal case and they can connect you with other resources and supports.
- Cold Lake RCMP - 4710 55 Street, Office Phone 780-594-3302
- Lac La Biche RCMP - 11 Nipewon Road, Office Phone 780-623-4380
- St. Paul RCMP - 4806 55 Street, Office Phone 780-645-8888
Reporting sexual assault can help survivors seek justice and begin the healing process.
The only person responsible for committing gender-based violence or sexual assault is an offender, but all of us have the ability to look out for each other's safety.
If you think you are witnessing questionable, unacceptable gender-based violence or sexual violence, intervene. You may be able to change the course of events.
Assess the situation
- If you or others are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 911 or Campus Security 780-623-5587.
- If what you witness is unacceptable decide if you can intervene safely by interrupting the behaviour.
Faculty, staff, other employees, and contractors have a duty to immediately report all incidents and suspected incidents of gender-based violence or sexual violence to Human Resources, call 780-623-5747. Employees can access supports and services through Human Resources and LifeWorks. See Portage College Prevention of Gender-based & Sexual Violence B.6.5 Guideline / Procedures.
Students are strongly encouraged to report incidents of gender-based violence and sexual violence.
All members of Portage College community who have witnessed gender-based violence or sexual violence have a duty to report it.
What to expect:
Each survivor has their own way of coping. There is no right or wrong way to act when telling what happened. Recognize that relating what happened can be traumatic and the person's ability to recall the events may be limited. The most important thing you can do is listen.
Steps to take:
1. Tell the survivor "I Believe You". Remind them that what happened is not their fault.
2. Make sure they are safe: If they are in immediate danger call 911 or contact Campus Security 780-623-5587.
3. Respect the individual's right to choose the services they feel are most appropriate and to decide whether to report to the police and/or Campus Security.
4. Make every effort to respect confidentiality and anonymity.
If the disclosure is made to an Employee of the College, the employee should refer the student to Counselling Services where the survivor can gain professional help.
If an Employee becomes aware of an allegation of gender-based violence or sexual violence against another member of the College, the employee is required to report the alleged incident to Portage College Human Resources immediately by calling 780-623-5747. See Portage College Prevention of Gender-based & Sexual Violence B.6.5 Guidline / Procedures.
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.