If you have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, here are some ways you can immediately get help:
- Call 911. Consider your own safety and the safety of those around you if you are in immediate danger. This can be a difficult decision to make but can help you stay safe. Do not warn the perpetrator that you will be calling 911 as the violence may escalate.
- Go to a safe place. This might be the home or room of a friend or family member, or neighbour. Consider where you can go to find physical safety and receive emotional support. If you feel you have no options, you can contact a domestic violence shelter in your region. For a list of shelters in Niagara, visit Resources.
- Go to the hospital and speak with the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence unit; you can also call them at 905-378-4647 extension 45300. They provide free, confidential, and specialized care to individuals who have experienced a recent sexual assault or are victims of intimate partner abuse, as well as forensic evidence collection, and counselling. For more information, visit https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/sexual-assault-domestic-violence-treatment-program.
Connect with NC’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator (SVPRC)
If you have experienced sexual violence, abuse of any form, or feel unsafe by your intimate/sexual partner, you can speak with the the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator (SVPRC) when you are ready. The SVPRC responds to disclosures and reports of incidents related to sexual and gender-based violence, and offers safe, inclusive and non-judgmental support. The SVPRC can offer you support and explain options and processes such as reporting to the police, or making a formal report through the College. The SVPRC can also speak with you about additional support that may be needed (ie housing services, legal assistance, and counselling/therapy options in the community).
Any form of abuse and harassment can escalate after an assault has taken place, or after an intimate/sexual relationship has ended. Understanding red flags and creating a safety plan can help prevent this from happening. In-depth safety planning specific to your needs can be completed with the SVPRC, and can be helpful to ensure your physical and emotional safety.
When meeting with the SVPRC, you can choose to speak about only what you are comfortable sharing.
Please contact the SVPRC at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
Staying Safe
Other immediate safety considerations to keep in mind if you have experienced sexual or gender-based violence or harassment:
- If the perpetrator has a key or knows the code to your home/room, or has damaged any of the exits (ie windows, doors), remain out of the home until your home is secure, in case the perpetrator returns. You may qualify for financial assistance to secure your home after an assault through Victim Services Niagara. You can speak with the SVPRC about a referral to this service, or you can call Victim Services 24/7 line at 905-682-2626.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, and check who is at the door prior to opening it. You have no obligation to allow the perpetrator into your home or open the door to them if they show up. You can call the police if they show up and do not leave. If you share a lease with the perpetrator, speak with the SVPRC about options for alternative housing.
- Consider letting a trusted friend/neighbour know about what happened. You can make a plan with them for support which may include checking in on you regularly to make sure you are okay, be on the lookout if perpetrator returns, and you can create a code word with them to use if you need them to call 911 or come over immediately.
- If you have any classes with the perpetrator or live in residence with them, speak with the SVPRC about your concerns.
- Speak with Campus Security at [email protected] about ways they can keep you safe on campus (ie walking you to your car).
- If the perpetrator has access to any of your online accounts (ie social media, banking info, email addresses, google or apple accounts), change these to ensure they cannot harass/abuse you further, and to ensure your locations are not visible to them.
- Consider reporting all harassment, threats, and abuse to the police. This can be a difficult decision to make and the SVPRC can speak with you about this process.
- If you are hesitant to reach out for support, these are anonymous, 24/7 support lines in Niagara:
- Access Line (Mental Health & Addictions support line) – 1-866-550-5205 (call only)
- Birchway Niagara – 905-356-5800 (call or text)
- Gillian’s Place – 905-684-8331 (call or text)
- Sexual Assault Centre of Niagara (CARSA) – 905-682-4584