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The Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre

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.

Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre CHAT

We are pleased to offer free, confidential text and web chat support as part of our peer support program.

Students are welcome to reach out for support surrounding incidents of sexual violence, as well as resources and support options available within Carleton and the wider Ottawa community.

More information is available here.

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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, but you have an opportunity to provide non-judgmental support and information. Here are some general 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 CU SASC

For more information about responding to disclosures, refer to our guide.

Carleton-Centered Sexual Violence Prevention and Education

This document overviews the activities and research which supports 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.

Click here to read the Summary of Findings

Trainings and Workshops

The CUSASC is pleased to offer a variety of workshops and training sessions to end sexual violence on campus. Some of the opportunities we offer are:

Sexual Violence Policy and Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy

In April of 2019, the Board of Governors for Carleton University approved the revised Sexual Violence Policy. To review the policy and consultation process, please click here, or select one of the following items:

To support the policy, the Department is leading the development of a campus Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy. The strategy is a living document and we welcome suggestions and feedback from the community.