Welcome to the Sexual & Gender-Based Harassment & Violence Awareness & Support Office
St. Mary’s is committed to collectively cultivating and preserving a welcoming, inclusive, safe and respectful community that is free of sexual or gender-based harassment and violence for associated with the university’s learning and working activities, on or off campus.
The Sexual & Gender-Based Harassment and Violence Awareness Office provides information and resources for all matters related to harassment and violence. If you are seeking additional information outside of materials located on our webpage, visit our contact page to connect with us directly.
Policy & Procedure
H&S policy
Creating a Culture of Consent
The voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity or behaviour requiring that a person is able to freely articulate a choice, which includes the possibility of refusal. There must be an understandable and ongoing exchange of affirmative words or conduct, which indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity regardless of the parties’ relationship status or history together.
How Can We Help?
Our Office offers confidential and trauma-informed support to any member of our campus community who has experienced sexual or gender-based harassment or violence. We serve all employees and students regardless of when it happened.
- Information and guidance
- Contact office members directly
- Get immediate support
We are happy to meet with you to share information that would be helpful to make a decision that is best for you.
- Confidentiality
- Learn about your reporting options
- Read about our Sexual & Gender Based Harassment & Violence Policy
An informed and educated community is important in the prevention and care for anyone who has experienced any type of harassment and violence.
- Register for Bystander Training
- Review frequently asked policy and procedure questions
- Attend upcoming education and/or awareness initiative events
If you have had an unwelcome experience relating to harassment or violence, including those that are sexual in nature, you deserve support. It does not matter when it happened.
Please reach out to us if you aren’t sure what to do or where you should go. We are here to listen, share options, and support you in caring for yourself.
- Read about our Sexual & Gender Based Harassment & Violence Policy
- Connect to services on and off-campus
- Referral to support a student, faculty or staff
- Learn about reporting obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (for employees in supervisory roles)