Definitions
For the full list of definitions, please read the complete Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy.
Policy
Understanding policies and procedures can be challenging. We are here to help.
About the Policy
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy took effect on June 1, 2017. This standalone policy addresses sexual and gender-based violence and applies to all members of the university community - including students, faculty and staff - and operates alongside other applicable university policies and procedures.
To learn more about how the policy impacts you, contact the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Team.
Consent
Ongoing voluntary agreement of a person to engage in the sexual activity in question.
Disclosure
When an individual shares information about a personal experience of sexual violence with an Academic Staff Member, Appointee, Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar or Student.
Formal Report
A complaint to the University by an individual who is seeking recourse for a violation of the Sexual Violence Policy.
Sexual Assault
A criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another that violates the integrity of the individual and involves a range of behaviours from any unwanted touching to penetration.
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted remarks, behaviours or communications of a sexual nature and/or unwanted remarks, behaviours or communications based on gender or sexuality where the person responsible for the remarks, behaviours or communications knows or ought reasonably to know that these are unwelcome.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Any violence, physical or psychological, that is committed, threatened or attempted against another individual without the individual’s consent by targeting an individual because of their sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. This includes Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, stealthing, indecent exposure, voyeurism, creating, acquiring, or distributing degrading sexual imagery, the acquisition or distribution of a sexual image or video of a University Community member without their consent, and stalking that targets an individual based on their sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. It can include a single incident or a pattern of behaviour whether in person, online, or via other means.