What do I do if I have experienced sexual violence?
You are not alone. If you have experienced any type of sexualized violence, there are steps you can take and resources available for support and assistance.
Find Help
Begin by finding relevant assistance. This may include any or all of the following:
• Call 911
• Find a College employee to assist you
• Seek medical assistance if needed
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Disclose the incident to a member of the college
Reach out to a College employee who you are comfortable with so they can guide you to relevant supports and assist you in preventing a negative impact to your educational journey.
You can disclose an experience of sexual misconduct to any member of the CMTN community you trust. Disclosing does not start an investigation, but it can help you access support services. It also does not prevent you from making a report later on.
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Get Support
You don't have to go through this alone. Available supports include:
• Here2Talk online counseling - here2talk.ca
• Accessibility Services - Accessibility Services
• First Nations Access Coordinators - First Nations Access Coordinators
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Pursue Available Options
Take steps to regain your sense of power and mitigate the effect of this on your life and education.
• Make a report to the police (You may chose contact law enforcement to explore criminal reporting options in addition to, or instead of, making a disclosure and/or report to CMTN.)
• Continue accessing your chosen supports
• Make a formal complaint to the Dean of Student Success*
*Refer to Sexual Violence and Misconduct Response Procedures
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Coast Mountain College is deeply committed to creating and maintaining a learning and working environment that is characterized by mutual respect, civility, safety and free inquiry. Safety is a priority and any form of sexual violence or misconduct will not be tolerated. Victims of sexual violence will be treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
Our Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy and Response Procedures reflect this dedication and aim to create a culture where everyone feels secure and supported. It is essential to recognize that each person has boundaries that should always be respected.
We believe that Incorporating consent into our everyday lives is vital because it is not a one time action and requires continuous dedication. We encourage active participation from members of the CMTN community in conversations addressing sexual violence. Engaging in these dialogues helps raise awareness about the issue, promotes understanding of consent, and familiarizes survivors with available support services, reassuring them that they are not alone. Together, we can cultivate a community rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
To better understand how to handle instances of sexual misconduct or respond if you are named in a report, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with Coast Mountain College Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy and Response Procedures.