Sexual Violence Policy

A criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another that violates the sexual integrity of the survivor and involves a range of behaviours from any unwanted touching to penetration. Sexual assault is characterized by a broad range of behaviours that involve the use of force, threats, or control towards a person which makes that person feel uncomfortable, distressed, frightened, threatened, or that is carried out in circumstances in which the person has not freely agreed or consented to, or to which the person is incapable of consenting.

A broad term that describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. This violence takes different forms including sexual abuse and sexual assault.

The voluntary and explicit agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. It is the act of willingly agreeing to engage in specific sexual behaviour, and requires that a person is able to freely choose between two options: yes and no. This means that there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.

A Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is the collection of evidence from your body and clothing worn during or immediately after a sexual assault. This evidence can only be collected if the assault happened within the last 10 days. This evidence would be used during a police investigation and/or legal process.

Lawrence College offers its students access to health care services through connections to local community healthcare providers, or a campus health centre (Kingston only). Telemedicine appointments are available to all students tri-campus. Students at Cornwall, Brockville and Kingston campuses can access campus health care services via telemedicine if medically indicated following telephone consultation.  Sexual health services can be accessed through these resources.

The Sexual Violence policy is one avenue the college uses to help ensure St. Lawrence College is a safe environment that is free from sexual violence. This policy and protocol sets out the ways in which we respond to sexual violence including investigation procedures. It ensures that those affected by sexual violence are believed and appropriately accommodated.  It also ensures that the College protects the rights of individuals and holds accountable those who have committed an act of sexual violence.

The College believes that individuals who have experienced sexual violence are in control of if and how their experience will be dealt with by the police and/or the College. In most circumstances, the person will retain this control. A person who has experienced sexual violence may choose not to request an investigation and has the right not to participate in any investigation that may occur. In certain circumstances however, the College may be required to initiate an internal investigation and/or inform the police of the need for a criminal investigation, even without the person’s consent, if the College believes that the safety of other members of the College community is at risk. The confidentiality and anonymity of the person(s) affected will be prioritized in these circumstances.

Lawrence College has a number of safety resources for students. We have a Safety and Security department who can be accessed 24/7 by dialling ext. 5555.  Student can also access campus safety resources through the SLC Safe App. Safety resources can be found here: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/services/campus-services/security-and-emergency-procedures

Many services for students, including Health Services, continue to be offered virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. A list of all services available for students can be found here: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/about/covid-19/student-resources-for-online-learning-during-covid-19

All students, no matter their identity, can access student services and be treated equitably and with respect. Lawrence College does have some specific resources and initiatives for LGBTQQ2S+ students which can be found at this link: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/services/student-wellness-and-accessibility/positive-space

Students can access Counselling services to get assistance with mental health and addictions concerns. Information on Counselling and how to make a referral can be found here: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/services/student-wellness-and-accessibility/wellness-services-and-resources

Sexual contact that is forced, manipulated, or coerced by a partner, friend or acquaintance.

The age at which a person can legally consent to sexual activity. In Canada, children under 12 can never legally consent to sexual acts. Sixteen is the legal age of consent for sexual acts. There are variations on the age of consent for adolescents who are close in age between the ages of 12 and 16. Twelve and 13-year-olds can consent to have sex with other youth who are less than 2 years older than themselves. Youth who are 14 and 15 years old may consent to sexual involvement that is mutual with a person who is less than 5 years older. Youths 16 and 17 years old may legally consent to sexual acts with someone who is not in a position of trust or authority.

In the context of sexual violence, coercion is unreasonable and persistent pressure for sexual activity. Coercion is the use of emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats to family or friends, or the promise of rewards or special treatment, to persuade someone to do something they do not wish to do, such as being sexual or performing particular sexual acts.

The use of alcohol and/or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) by a perpetrator to control, overpower or subdue a victim for purposes of sexual assault.

A form of criminal harassment prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. It involves behaviours that occur on more than one occasion and which collectively instill fear in the victim or threaten the victim/target’s safety or mental health. Stalking can also include threats of harm to the target’s friends and/or family. These behaviours include, but are not limited to non-consensual communications (face to face, phone, email, social media); threatening or obscene gestures; surveillance; sending unsolicited gifts; “creeping” via social media/cyber-stalking; and uttering threats.

Some who have experienced sexual violence may choose to identify as a survivor. Individuals might be more familiar with the term “victim”. We use the term “survivor” throughout this policy where relevant because some who have experienced sexual assault believe they have overcome the violent experience and do not wish to identify with the victimization. It is the prerogative of the person who has experienced these circumstances to determine how they wish to identify.

This policy refers to the offence of sexual assault to align with the current offence contained in the Criminal Code. The word “rape” is no longer used in criminal statutes in Canada. The term was replaced many years ago to acknowledge that sexual violence is not about sex but is about acts of psychological and physical violence. The term “sexual assault” provides a much broader definition and criminalizes unwanted behaviour such as touching and kissing as well as unwanted oral sex and vaginal and anal intercourse. Although the term no longer has a legal meaning in Canada, the term rape is still commonly used.