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The Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre (CUSASC)

Our Centre is an intersectional space that provides sexual violence support services to all genders. We believe survivors, and we believe that survivors are the experts in their own lives. Therefore, we will listen, provide resources and support you as you choose the best option for you. All survivors of sexual assault, whether the assault occurred recently or in the distant past, on or off campus, can get support at the Centre. Everyone who seeks support from the Centre will be treated with dignity. Our services are free, confidential, and available to all students, staff and faculty at Carleton.

If you require more information, please call 613-520-5622 or e-mail equity@carleton.ca.

Carleton’s Sexual Assault Support Services are located in 3800 Carleton Technology and Training Centre.

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What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is an all-encompassing term used to describe a broad range of behaviors and acts. Sexual violence means any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent. It includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation. Sexual violence is not about passion, desire or sex. It is about one person exerting power and control over another.

If someone discloses their experience of sexual violence to you, your reaction could significantly impact what they choose to do next. It is common to feel unsure about what to say when receiving a disclosure, however you have an opportunity to provide non-judgmental support and information.

Tips on what to say and do when receiving a disclosure of sexual violence:

  1. Believe them
  2. Listen to them
  3. Explore options
  4. Refer them to the CUSASC

For more information about responding to disclosures, refer to the Sexual Violence Disclosure Guide.

Carleton-Centered Sexual Violence Prevention and Education

The Carleton-Centred Sexual Violence Prevention and Education document provides an overview of the activities and research that support Carleton-centered sexual violence prevention and education.

During the Fall of 2020, student researchers reviewed literature and identified that literature supports a variety of logistical, theoretical and content recommendations which could be included in different sexual violence prevention and education approaches in post-secondary institutions. Notably, these logistical, theoretical and content recommendations change based on the specific populations and goals of prevention and education strategies.

Trainings and Workshops

The Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre (CUSASC) offers a variety of workshops and trainings to end sexual violence on campus including:

Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy

Carleton revised the Sexual Violence Policy over the 2018-2019 school year. Through that process, a number of proposals to prevent sexual violence on campus emerged. As a commitment from that process, we drafted Honouring Each Other, Carleton’s blueprint for building Consent Cultures on campus, together.

Annual Report on Sexual Violence Prevention