Sexual violence is any unwelcome or unwanted sexual behaviours such as inappropriate comments or remarks, stalking, touching or any sexual acts without your CONSENT. It can happen in your home, at school, at work and virtually.
Gender-based violence is any behaviour against someone based on their gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. Examples include name-calling, threats and intimidation. It can happen in your home, at school, at work and virtually. This includes domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
If you have experienced sexual or gender-based violence we are here to support you. Your rights are recognized and supported at Conestoga College, including the right to be safe. You will not be disciplined if alcohol or drugs were involved. International students may worry that reaching out may impact their visa - please be aware that this will not happen.
If you are not sure what to do, have questions, or wish to speak with someone, contact the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator.
If you are on campus and wish to speak to someone directly, please go to Security Services.
Counselling Services are available to students who would like mental health and trauma support.
Medical Care is available to students through our clinic.
If you are unsafe or need immediate support, contact Campus Security, call 911 or visit your local hospital. Visit this list of local emergency services for more details.
If someone discloses to you that they have experienced sexual or gender-based violence:
If you are an employee supporting a student, ask the student if you can make a referral on their behalf by emailing the
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator.
Please contact the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator for more information on how you can proceed.
Conestoga Consent Culture is a series of workshops, events, and courses that help the Conestoga community in its pursuit to end gender-based violence. A series of five workshops teach participants to ask for consent each time, stand up against norms that uphold rape culture and supports students by directing them to appropriate college and community resources.
Conestoga also holds Sexual Health Week each term. Visit the Sexual Health Week website for more information.
Details on confidentiality can be found on our Privacy and Confidentiality page. In addition to the standards outlined there, the college will collect data regarding the number and types of incidents of sexual violence, and the college services which provided support. This is for the purpose of developing best practices, maintaining compliance with statutory reporting requirements and similar purposes.
Conestoga's Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Response Office provides help based on your individual needs. There is no timeframe for when an incident occurred for someone to access support, and you do not need to disclose what happened in order to get help. Please email sgbv@conestogac.on.ca for appointments and information.
If you are interested in discussing your reporting options please reach out to our office.
