Sexual Assault & Sexual Violence Policy

HR-13 Sexual Assault & Sexual Violence Policy
Department	People and Culture
Creation Date	February 26, 2015
Approval Date	May 3, 2022
Effective Date	May 3, 2022

Organizational Scope

This Policy applies to all members of the Michener community who work and learn remotely and are located at 222 St. Patrick Street in Toronto, including employees, students, contractors, vendors, suppliers of services, and visitors.

Purpose

All members of Michener’s community have the right to work and study in an environment free from any form of sexual violence. It ensures that those affected by sexual violence are believed and appropriately accommodated and ensures that Michener has a process of investigation that protects the rights of individuals and holds individuals who have committed an act of sexual violence accountable.

The Michener Institute is a respectful, caring, and inclusive community. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity.

Definitions

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 sexual integrity of the survivor and involves a range of behaviours from any unwanted touching to penetration. Sexual assault is characterized by a broad range of behaviours that involve the use of force, threats, or control towards a person, which makes that person feel uncomfortable, distressed, frightened, threatened, or that is carried out in circumstances in which the person has not freely agreed, consented to, or is incapable of consenting to the activity.

Sexual violence: Means any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation.

Acquaintance sexual assault/violence: Sexual contact that is forced, manipulated, or coerced by a partner, friend or acquaintance.

Age of consent for sexual activity: The age at which a person can legally consent to sexual activity. In Canada, children under 12 can never legally consent to sexual acts. Sixteen is the legal age of consent for sexual acts. There are variations on the age of consent for adolescents who are close in age between the ages of 12 and 16. Twelve and 13 year-olds can consent to have sex with other youth who are less than 2 years older than themselves. Youth who are 14 and 15 years old may consent to sexual involvement that is mutual with a person who is less than 5 years older. Youths 16 and 17 years old may legally consent to sexual acts with someone who is not in a position of trust or authority.

Coercion: In the context of sexual violence, coercion is unreasonable and persistent pressure for sexual activity. Coercion is the use of emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats to family or friends, or the promise of rewards or special treatment, to persuade someone to do something they do not wish to do, such as being sexual or performing particular sexual acts.

Consent: The voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. It is the act of willingly agreeing to engage in specific sexual behaviour, and requires that a person is able to freely choose between two options: yes and no. This means that there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words which indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. It is also imperative that everyone understands the following:

• Silence or non-communication must never be interpreted as consent and a person in a state of diminished judgment cannot consent.
• A person is incapable of giving consent if they are asleep, unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate.
• A person who has been threatened or coerced (i.e. is not agreeing voluntarily) into engaging in the sexual activity is not consenting to it.
• A person who is drugged is unable to consent.
• A person is usually unable to give consent when they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• A person may be unable to give consent if they have a mental disability preventing them from fully understanding the sexual acts.
• The fact that consent was given in the past to a sexual or dating relationship does not mean that consent is deemed to exist for all future sexual activity.
• A person can withdraw consent at any time during the course of a sexual encounter.
• A person is incapable of giving consent to a person in a position of trust, power or authority, such as, a faculty member initiating a relationship with a student who they teach, an administrator in a relationship with anyone who reports to that position.
• Consent cannot be given on behalf of another person

It is the responsibility of the initiator of sexual activity to obtain clear and affirmative responses at all stages of sexual engagement. It is also the initiator’s responsibility to know if the person they are engaging with sexually is a minor.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault: The use of alcohol and/or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) by a perpetrator to control, overpower or subdue a survivor for purposes of sexual assault.

Stalking: A form of criminal harassment prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. It involves behaviours that occur on more than one occasion and which collectively instill fear in the survivor or threaten the survivor/target’s safety or mental health. Stalking can also include threats of harm to the target’s friends and/or family. These behaviours include, but are not limited to non-consensual communications (face to face, phone, email, social media); threatening or obscene gestures; surveillance; sending unsolicited gifts; “creeping” via social media/cyber-stalking; and uttering threats.

Survivor: Some who have been affected by sexual violence may choose to identify as a survivor. Individuals might be more familiar with the term “survivor”. We use the term survivor throughout this policy where relevant because some who have been affected by sexual assault believe that they have overcome the violent experience do not wish to identify the victimization. It is the prerogative of the person who has been affected by these circumstances to determine how they wish to identify.

Reference:

Colleges Ontario, (2015) Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol Template, Toronto, Ontario

Policy

Sexual assault and sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and positive space where members of our community work, learn and express themselves in an environment free from sexual violence. As part of this commitment, Michener has implemented measures aimed at challenging and preventing sexual violence and creating a safe space for anyone in our community who has been affected by sexual violence.

In accordance with this policy, Michener will investigate all reported incidents of sexual violence to the best of the administration’s ability and in a manner that ensures due process. Michener also recognizes that sexual violence can occur between individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity or relationship status as articulated in the Ontario Human Rights Code. As a result, no individual should feel uncomfortable about making a report in good faith about sexual violence that they have experienced or witnessed.

Pursuant to the purpose of this policy, Michener is committed to:

• assist those who have been affected by sexual violence by providing detailed information and support, including provision of and/or referral to counseling and medical care, appropriate academic and other accommodation, that recognizes individuals who have been affected by sexual violence may suffer emotional, academic or other difficulties; Accommodations may include but are not limited to, extended time on assignments, changing classroom or work proximity of the survivor and alleged offender, or implementing scheduling of service access times for the survivor to ensure the offender is not present
• ensuring that survivors and witnesses can obtain supports and services even when they choose not to report an incident of, or make a formal complaint about, sexual violence;
• ensuring those who disclose they have been sexually assaulted are believed, and their right to dignity and respect is protected throughout the process of disclosure, investigation and institutional response;
• addressing harmful attitudes and behaviours (e.g. adhering to myths of sexual violence) that reinforce that the person who has been affected by sexual violence is somehow to blame for what happened;
• treating individuals who disclose sexual violence with compassion recognizing that they are the final decision-makers about their own best interests;
• ensuring internal investigation procedures are available in the case of sexual violence, even when the individual chooses not to make a report to the police;
• engaging in appropriate procedures for investigation and adjudication of a complaint and ensuring fairness and due process;
• ensuring coordination and communication among the various departments who are most likely to be involved in the response to sexual violence at Michener;
• engaging in public education and prevention activities;
• providing information about sexual violence and appropriate education/training on responding to the disclosure of sexual violence to the Michener community;
• contributing to the creation of an atmosphere in which sexual violence is not tolerated; and,
• monitoring and updating our policies and protocols to ensure that they remain effective and in line with other existing policies and best practices.

Michener will ensure any investigation conducted to respond to a report or complaint of sexual violence will be conducted in accordance with Michener policies and standards.

Reporting and Responding to Sexual Violence

Any member of the Michener community should immediately report incident(s) where they, witness or have knowledge of sexual violence, or where they have reason to believe that sexual violence has occurred or may occur. Reports will maintain the anonymity of the survivor unless the survivor gives signed authorization for their identity to be communicated in the report. Members who have been affected by sexual violence are encouraged to come forward to report as soon as they are able to do so. Where Michener becomes aware of incident(s) of sexual violence by a member of the Michener community, or against a member of the Michener community, which occur on or off Michener property and pose a risk to the safety of members of the Michener community, Michener shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the Michener community.

Any person in a position of authority, including any person directing the activities of others, shall take immediate action that is appropriate in the circumstances to respond to, or to prevent, sexual violence from occurring. If a member of faculty or staff of Michener becomes aware of an allegation of sexual violence against another member of the Michener community, the faculty or staff is required to report the alleged incident to the Dean of Students, or the Director of People and Culture immediately.

Complaint Process and Investigations

A complaint of sexual assault or any other kind of sexual violence can be filed under this policy by any member of Michener’s community.

Student Success Network and People and Culture are responsible for intake. When a potential violation by one or more employees is alleged, the responsible manager or managers will conduct an investigation and make decision with the support of People and Culture.

Right to Withdraw a Complaint

While a complainant has the right to withdraw a complaint at any stage of the process, Michener may continue to act on the issue identified in the complaint in order to comply with its obligation under this policy and/or its legal obligations.

Protection from Reprisals, Retaliation or Threats:

It is contrary to this policy for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against a complainant or other individual for:

• having pursued rights under this policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code;
• having participated or co-operated in an investigation under this policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code; or
• having been associated with someone who has pursued their rights under this policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Michener takes reasonable steps to protect persons from reprisals, retaliation and threats. This may entail, for example, advising individuals in writing of their duty to refrain from committing a reprisal and sanctioning individuals for a breach of this duty. Michener may also address the potential for reprisals by providing accommodation appropriate in the circumstances.

Unsubstantiated or Vexatious Complaints

If a person, in good faith, discloses or files a sexual violence complaint that is not supported by evidence gathered during an investigation, the complaint will be dismissed. Disclosures or complaints that are found following investigation to be frivolous, vexatious, or bad faith complaints, that is, made to purposely annoy, embarrass or harm the respondent, may result in sanctions and/or discipline against the complainant.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is particularly important to those who have disclosed or been affected by sexual violence. The confidentiality of all persons involved in a report of sexual violence must be strictly observed. Michener shall respect the confidentiality of all persons, including the complainant, respondent, and witnesses by restricting routine access to information to individuals with a need for such access and by providing education and training to those who are regularly involved in the administration of reports and complaints. However, confidentiality cannot be assured in the following circumstances:

• an individual is at imminent risk of self-harm;
• an individual is at imminent risk of harming another; and/or
• there are reasonable grounds to believe that others in Michener or the wider community may be at risk of harm,
• reporting is required by law (e.g., In the case of a minor)

In such circumstances, information would only be shared with necessary services to prevent harm, and the name of the survivor would not be released to the public. If Michener becomes aware of an allegation of sexual violence by a member of the Michener community against another member of the Michener community, Michener may also have an obligation to take steps to ensure that the matter is dealt with in order to comply with Michener’s legal obligation and/or its policies to investigate such allegations. In such cases, certain Michener administrators will be informed about the reported incident on a “need to know” and confidential basis, but not necessarily of the identities of the persons involved.

Associated Documentation

• Harassment/Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy
• Workplace Anti-Violence Policy
• Professionalism Policy
• Michener Community Rights and Responsibilities
• Academic and Non-Academic Appeal Policy
• Ontario Human Rights Code
• Criminal Code

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PROTOCOL

Section 1: Experiencing, Witnessing or Hearing About Sexual Violence

1. If You Have Experienced or Have Been Affected by Sexual Violence

If you have been affected by sexual violence and require support and accommodation, you can report the incident to the Dean of Students at 416-596-3141 or in person at office 1343 or the Director, People and Culture at 416-596-3101 ext. 3497 or in person at office 5125. They will assist you by providing the resources and support you need.

Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence has the right to:

• be believed and treated with dignity and respect,
• be informed about on and off-campus services and resources,
• decide whether to access available services and to choose those services they feel will be most beneficial,
• decide whether to file a report with local police,
• have an internal investigation with Michener’s full cooperation,
• have a safety plan, and
• have reasonable and necessary actions taken to prevent further unwanted contact with the alleged perpetrator(s).

While it may be difficult to disclose and report incidents of sexual violence, and it is entirely up to you if you choose to report the incident. Michener strongly encourages anyone who has been affected by sexual violence to report the incident.

The Dean of Students or the Director, People and Culture can assist you with filing a complaint. If the alleged perpetrator is another member of the Michener community, you may file a complaint under this policy. Also, any individual(s) who has been affected by sexual violence may wish to press charges under the Criminal Code and the Dean of Students or Director, People and Culture can assist you with contacting the local police.

2. If You Witnessed Sexual Violence

If you witness sexual violence, please call the Dean of Students at 416-596-3141 or the Director, People and Culture at 416-596-3101 ext. 3497 to report the incident. They will advise you on the resources available to you and provide you with the necessary support to report and document the incident.

Faculty, staff, other employees, and contractors have a duty to immediately report all incidents and suspected incidents of sexual violence. Students are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual violence, but do not need to report incidents of sexual violence to obtain supports, services or accommodations from Michener.

All members of the Michener community who have witnessed sexual violence have a duty to cooperate with a Michener investigation.

3. If Someone Discloses Allegations of Sexual Violence

A person may choose to confide in a student, faculty member, or staff about an act of sexual violence they have been affected by. An individual who has been affected by sexual violence may also disclose to staff or faculty members when seeking support and/or academic accommodation.

A complainant acting in good faith, who discloses or reports sexual violence, will not be subject to actions for violations of the institution’s policies related to drug and alcohol use at the time the sexual violence took place.

During the institution’s investigative process, a complainant who shares their experience of sexual violence through disclosing accessing support, and/or reporting to the university or college, will not be asked irrelevant questions from the institution’s staff or investigators, such as those relating to past sexual history or sexual expression.

A supportive response involves:

• listening without judgement and accepting the disclosure as true;
• communicating that sexual violence is never the responsibility of the survivor;
• advising the individual about Michener’s Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy, including the ability to report the incident;
• respecting the individual’s right to choose the services they feel are most appropriate and to decide whether to report the incident to the Police, Dean of Students, or Director, People and Culture;
• recognizing that disclosing can be traumatic and an individual’s ability to recall the events may be limited;
• respecting the individual’s choices as to what and how much they disclose about their experience; and
• making every effort to respect confidentiality and anonymity.

As indicated in the policy, if faculty or staff of Michener becomes aware of an allegation of sexual violence against another member of the Michener community, the faculty or staff is required to report the alleged incident to the Dean of Students or Director, People and Culture immediately.

Section 2: How Michener Will Respond to a Report of Sexual Violence?

Where a complaint of sexual violence has been reported to Michener, Michener will exercise care to protect and respect the rights of both the complainant and the respondent. Michener understands that individuals who have been the survivors of sexual violence may wish to control whether and how their experience will be dealt with by the Police and/or Michener and, in most circumstances, the individual will retain this control. The survivor may choose not to request an investigation by Michener and has the right to not participate in any investigation that may occur.

Assisting those who have been affected by sexual violence by providing detailed information and support, including provision of and/or referral to counseling and medical care, appropriate academic and other accommodation, that recognizes individuals who have been affected by sexual violence may suffer emotional, academic or other difficulties; Accommodations may include but are not limited to, extended time on assignments, changing classroom or work proximity of the survivor and alleged offender, or implementing scheduling of service access times for the survivor to ensure the offender is not present

In certain circumstances, however, Michener may be required to initiate an internal investigation and/or inform the Police of the need for a criminal investigation, even without the person’s consent, if Michener believes that the safety of other members of the Michener community is at risk. The confidentiality and anonymity of the person(s) affected will be prioritized in these circumstances.

A report of sexual violence may also be referred to the Police, or to other community resources at the complainant’s request, where the person(s) involved are not members of the Michener community or in circumstances where Michener is unable to initiate an internal investigation under this policy.

2.1. Where the Respondent is a Student

Sexual violence is a violation of Michener’s Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and is considered a serious offence that will be addressed in a manner which is consistent with other serious offences. Please see Michener’s Community Rights and Responsibilities for more details on the sanctions or disciplinary process.

As set out in Michener’s Academic and Non-Academic Appeal Policy, appeals of student violations may be pursued based on limited grounds and are heard by the Appeal Review Panel.

2.2. Where the Respondent is a Member of Faculty or Staff

Allegations against faculty or staff will be addressed in accordance with the procedures set out in this policy, and in any applicable collective agreement, and/or other Michener policies.

There is no formal appeal process for employee violations, though Michener employees who are members of a union may file a grievance as permitted by the applicable collective agreement.

2.3. Where the Respondent is not a Student, Faculty or Staff

Contractors, suppliers, or visitors who attend Michener’s campus will be subject to a complaint if they engage in prohibited conduct pursuant to this policy.

There is no formal appeal process for supplier, volunteer or visitor violations.

2.4. Multiple Proceedings

Where criminal and/or civil proceedings are commenced in respect of the allegations of sexual violence, Michener shall conduct its own independent investigation into such allegations and will make its own determination in accordance with its policies and procedures. Where there is an ongoing criminal investigation, Michener will cooperate with the local police.

2.5. Communicating to Individuals who have Experienced or Have Been Affected by Sexual Violence

Michener will ensure the Dean of Students and Director, People and Culture are knowledgeable about sexual violence and are responsible for advocacy on campus on behalf of students, faculty, staff, or any other member of the Michener community who have been affected by sexual violence. It is understood that Michener may assign and train additional staff or faculty to play a role in communicating this policy, advocating the right to work and study in an environment free of sexual violence, and responding to incidents of sexual violence.

Michener recognizes that sensitive and timely communication with individuals who have been affected by sexual violence and their family members (when an individual consents to this communication) is a central part of Michener’s first response to sexual violence. To facilitate this communication, Michener will ensure that the person who has been affected by sexual violence and the respondent are provided with reasonable updates about the status of Michener’s investigation of the incident when such investigations are undertaken. Michener will inform the complainant and respondent of the outcomes of its investigation in writing. The written decision summary will include a brief description of any corrective action that Michener has taken or will take as a result of its investigation.

Anonymous sexual assault report form

2.6 Procedural Fairness

Except as otherwise stated in this Protocol, Michener provides those whose rights, privileges or interests may be affected by a decision with notice of the decision to be made, disclosure of facts relevant to the decision and an opportunity to be heard. Michener may decide how it meets these obligations in different circumstances, and will do so with a view to providing a fair process, making a sound decision and preserving the dignity of survivors. Michener has the right to withhold disclosure early on in its process to obtain a persons’ independent recollection of events.

2.7. Support and Representation

Complainants and respondents may attend meetings with a single (non-participating) support person. Michener considers requests to attend meetings with additional support persons and with legal or other representation on a case-by-case basis, with a view to promoting a fair and expeditious process. Michener may still question and expect direct answers from an individual who is represented.

 2.8. Interim Measures

Michener may restrict the rights and privileges of a respondent before it makes a final determination about the alleged misconduct. For example, a respondent may be moved from a complainant’s residence, restricted from entering certain parts of the campus and restricted from attending class.

Such interim measures will be imposed only as necessary to meet the needs of the complainants and persons who report the incidents of sexual violence.  Michener will also take steps to minimize the impact of interim measures on respondents.

Interim measures are not punishment and do not represent a finding of misconduct. These measures may be imposed immediately, without a hearing. Respondents may ask Michener to review a decision to impose interim measures, but only to address the impact of the imposed measure and the preference of other alternatives.

2.9. Outcomes

Michener will determine, based on the investigation, what happened and whether it constitutes sexual violence or another form of misconduct. If Michener finds there has been misconduct, it will determine the appropriate penalty. Students may face discipline, up to and including expulsion. Employees may face discipline, up to and including discharge. Contractors, suppliers, visitors and volunteers may face penalties, cancellation of contracts loss of all privileges and other sanctions.

2.9. Other Resources and Supports Available by Michener

Where a complaint of sexual violence has been reported to Michener, Michener will provide the complainant with the appendices ll and lll resources, both on-campus and off-campus, to assist the complainant. Appendices are listed below and outline sexual assault centres close to Michener (appendix II) and those available in Ontario (appendix III).

APPENDIX I

Use of the term “Rape” in the context of Sexual Violence

This policy refers to the offence of sexual assault to align with the current offence contained in the Criminal Code. The word “rape” is no longer used in criminal statutes in Canada.  The term was replaced many years ago to acknowledge that sexual violence is not about sex but is about acts of psychological and physical violence. The term “sexual assault” provides a much broader definition and criminalizes unwanted behaviour such as touching and kissing as well as unwanted oral sex and vaginal and anal intercourse. Although the term no longer has a legal meaning in Canada, the term rape is still commonly used.

Dispelling the Myths & Misconceptions about Sexual Assault

APPENDIX II

Sexual Assault Centres/ Services (In Close Proximity to Michener)

APPENDIX III

Sexual Assault Centres (Ontario)

Pour le support francophone aux femmes victimes d’agression sexuelle:
CALACS (Francophone Sexual Assault Centres) in Ontario

Centre Passerelle pour femmes: CALACS du Nord de l’Ontario
C.P. 849
Timmins ON P4N 7G7
705 360-5657
1-888-360-5657
calacs@calacs.ca

Centre francophone d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel d’Ottawa
40, rue Cobourg
Ottawa ON K1N 8Z6
613 789-8096
calacs@calacs.ca

Centre Novas : Centre francophone d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel de Prescott-Russell
C.P. 410
Casselman ON K0A 1M0
613 764-5700
1 866 772-9922 poste 221
administration@centrenovas.ca

Carrefour des femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario: CALACS de la région du Sud-Ouest
London-Middlesex
285 King Street, suite #200
London ON
519 858-0954
226-448-6729 or  226-559-3138 text/whatsapp
info@carrefourfemmes.on.ca

Sarnia-Lambton
1285 Michigan Avenue, suite #2
Sarnia ON
1-888-858-0954
226-926-4539 text/whatsapp
info@carrefourfemmes.on.ca

Counties of Kent, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Bruce, Grey, Elgin
1-888-858-0954
info@carrefourfemmes.on.ca

Centre Victoria pour femmes
CVF Elliot Lake
31 A Manitoba Road
Elliot Lake ON P5A 2J6
705 461-6120
elliotlake@centrevictoria.ca

CVF Sault Ste-Marie
111 Elgin Street, suite #302
Sault Ste-Marie ON P6A 6L6
705-253-0049
ssm@centrevictoria.ca

CVF Sudbury
584 Clinton Avenue, suite #103
Sudbury ON P3B 2T2
705-670-2518
info@centrevictoria.ca

CVF Wawa
CP 4965 / PO Box 496
65B Broadway Avenue
Wawa ON P0S 1K0
705-856-0065
wawa@centrevictoria.ca

Centr’Elles, centre des Femmes Francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario
Siège social
234 rue Van Norman
Thunder Bay ON P7A 4B8
intervenante: 807-788-0614
adjoine: 807-476-8144
1-888-415-4156
admin@centrelles.com

Satellite
1405, rue Main
CP 1030
Geraldton ON P0T 1M0
1-888-415-4156
intervenante: 807-854-7688
greenstone@centrelle.com

Oasis Centre des femmes
Bureau de Toronto
465 Yonge Street
PO Box 73022 Wood Street PO
Toronto ON M4Y 2W5
416 591-6565
services@oasisfemmes.org

Bureau de Brampton
150 Main Street
CP 74089
Brampton ON L6V 1M0
905-454-3332
services@oasisfemmes.org

Colibri – Centre des femmes francophones du comté de Simcoe
92 avenue Caplan
Barrie (ON) L4N 9J2
705-797-2060
1-877-797-2050
info@centrecolibri.ca

Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara – Espace entre Elles
Hamilton
1320 rue Barton Est
Hamilton (Ontario) L8H 2W1
905-528-0163
1-866-437-7606
cschn@cschn.ca

Welland
810 rue Main Est
Welland ON L3B 3Y4
905-734-1141
1-866-885-5947
cschn@cschn.ca

Pour le support francophone aux femmes victimes d’agression sexuelle, se il vous plaît visitez (for French-language support to women victims of sexual assault, please also visit): Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes.

Acknowledgements:

A number of resources contributed to the development of this document, including the sexual assault policies and procedures from several colleges and universities in Ontario, notably, Durham College, University of Guelph and Lakehead University, as well as the METRAC discussion paper on sexual assault policies on campuses. The Ontario Women’s Directorate resource, “Developing a Response to Sexual Violence: A Resource Guide for Ontario’s Colleges and Universities” served as a reference and the “Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions About Sexual Assault” chart is based on it. In addition, the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres provided a list of sexual assault centres in Ontario and their hotline numbers.

Revision History