Conestoga Student Success

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Sexual and gender-based violence prevention and support

If you are unsafe or need immediate support, contact Campus Security or call 911.

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.

College supports are available to help you

Conestoga Consent Culture

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.

I need support

College supports

If you are not sure what to do, have questions, or wish to speak with someone, email the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Coordinator or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 3079. Currently registered students can also book appointments on the Student Success Portal (log-in required). 

Counselling Services are available to students who would like mental health and trauma support. 

Medical Clinic is available to students through our clinic. 

Community supports

Emergency support

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. 

 
I want to support someone

If someone discloses to you that they have experienced sexual or gender-based violence: 

  1. LISTEN. Don’t ask for details and try to be mindful of your reactions.
  2. Ask how they would like to be supported. If they would like help finding support you can reference the college services listed above in the "I need support" section.
  3. Let them know you believe them and that it is not their fault.

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 Support Coordinator or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3079 

I witnessed sexual or gender-based violence

Please email the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Coordinator or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3079 for more information on how you can proceed. Currently registered students can also book appointments on the Student Success Portal (log-in required). 

 
Workshops and events

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. 

 

Confidentiality

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.

Have questions or looking for more information? 

Conestoga's Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Support 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 or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 3079 for appointments and information. Registered students can also book appointments on the Student Success Portal (log-in required). Appointments are available in-person, virtually or over the telephone.

Reporting

If you are interested in discussing your reporting options please email or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 3079.

Conestoga College