At the University of Calgary, we believe you and we’re ready to support you

You may have an idea of what sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) looks like, but the truth is it can take on many different forms. The Government of Alberta defines sexual violence as, “An act committed against someone's sexual integrity without that person’s freely given consent.” According to Women and Gender Equality Canada, gender-based violence is committed against a person due to their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender; it is not limited to physical assault and can include jokes that demean the LGBTQ2S+ community. These forms of violence include sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, stalking, domestic and family violence, and degrading jokes. These acts are violations of human rights and bodily autonomy – and they are against the law.

Domestic and family violence involves patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour, including but not limited to: physical, psychological, verbal/emotional, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse, most often occurring within intimate or familial relationships.

Anyone can experience SGBV, but systemic oppression – such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism – puts some communities at a higher risk. SGBV is a serious public health issue. It causes physical, emotional, and psychological harm, and its impacts can ripple through families and communities for generations.

Everyone who has experienced these forms of violence deserve to be met with dignity, respect, and without discrimination – no matter their age, race, gender, or ability.

If you have been affected by sexual and gender-based violence, we believe you and we are here for you. The university’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Office can connect you with services, inform you of your rights, help you think through options, or simply listen. 

If someone has disclosed to you that they have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, the Office can offer education, coach you through ways to respond and support, and connect you with resources.
 

In June of 2017, the University of Calgary implemented a stand-alone policy regarding sexual and gender-based violence. It was updated in March 2021. 

The aims of the policy are to:

1. Affirm the university’s commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence
2. Commit to providing supports to individuals affected by sexual and gender-based violence, fostering and promoting a culture of consent, and appropriate handling of disclosures and formal reports related to sexual and gender-based violence
3. Outline the processes by which the university will respond to disclosures and formal reports