Resources and Support
Individuals who disclose that they have experienced sexual violence will be provided support services and will be treated with dignity and respect at all times by the University and its representatives. A person affected by sexual violence is not required to report an incident of or make a complaint about sexual violence under the formal complaint process of this Policy in order to obtain support and services, or in order to receive appropriate accommodation for their needs.
To assist in navigating the Policy, please see the high-level overview (one-pager) of how to formally report an experience of sexual violence.
On Campus Support Services
Health and Counselling Services
Counselling Services is open to all current students for both in-person and virtual appointments. Different types of counselling is available to suit your needs. Visit the website or contact HCS to learn more.
Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre
Provides support and resources to those affected by sexual violence. 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.
Campus Safety Services
Serves the Carleton University community through community engagement, prevention, risk intervention and 24/7 incident response.
Community Support Services and Resources
2SLGBTQIA+ Support
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online support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence
- Unsafe at Home Ottawa provides confidential online support through text or chat for those experiencing violence at home.
- Chat online (browser-based), WhatsApp or text 613-704-5535
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individual and group counselling on an affordable, sliding scale
- Family Services Ottawa (FSO) provides services and support for women who have experienced abuse from trusted individuals. Counsellors offer emotional support, education about rights and can give direction for next steps.
- Contact: 613-725-3601, info@familyservicesottawa.org, contact form
- Groups and workshops
- Support programs
Community Resources
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reporting of sexual assault and child abuse
- The Ottawa Police Service assists and supports survivors of sexual assault sensitively with a goal is to identify, arrest and prosecute the person(s) responsible and to prevent further crimes from happening.
- General Inquiries: 613-236-1222
Crisis Support
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free counselling (individual and group by phone/virtual/in-person)
- The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) therapists offer safe and compassionate spaces for counselling. Counsellors at ORCC specialize in supporting people who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence using a trauma-informed approach.
- Online intake form for counselling
- Chat and text support: 613-544-6424 (available noon to midnight, 7 days/week)
- Emotional support line: 613-562-2333
Domestic and Gender-based Violence Support
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individual counselling and group therapy for survivors of abuse
- The Carlington Community Health Centre provides options for survivors of abuse with counselling, support groups and transitional aid.
- Contact: 613-722-4000, info@carlingtonchc.org
- More counselling options
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crisis intervention, support and counselling for women experiencing domestic violence
- The Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC) is a social safety net organization that provides support to victims of violence along with other vulnerable members of the community. Counsellors are committed to aiding and educating women to ensure they reach their goals.
- Contact: 613-741-6025, info@eorc-creo.ca
- 24/7 helpline: 613-745-4818
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individual and group counselling on an affordable, sliding scale
- Family Services Ottawa (FSO) provides services and support for women who have experienced abuse from trusted individuals. Counsellors offer emotional support, education about rights and can give direction for next steps.
- Contact: 613-725-3601, info@familyservicesottawa.org, contact form
- Groups and workshops
- Support programs
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organization dedicated to education and prevention of gender-based violence
- The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) focuses on providing education and resources to the community to prevent violence against women at individual and legislative levels.
- Contact: info@octevaw-cocvff.ca
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private and confidential trauma-sensitive medical care
- The Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus is a team of specialized health professionals who are available on site, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provide private and confidential trauma-sensitive medical care to any person 16 years of age and older who has experienced sexual or intimate partner violence in our greater Ottawa region.
- Contact: 613-798-5555 x 13770, sa_dv@toh.ca
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online support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence
- Unsafe at Home Ottawa provides confidential online support through text or chat for those experiencing violence at home.
- Chat online (browser-based), WhatsApp or text 613-704-5535
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individual and group counselling for women who have been abused by a significant other
- The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre hosts a counselling program for victims of gender-based violence. Counsellors specialize in both short- and long-term support and provide escape options for those in crisis.
- Contact: 613-591-3686, info@wocrc.ca
- Transitional and Housing Support Programs
- Chrysalis House (women’s shelter)
- Child Witness Program
French Support Services
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many services for supporting survivors in French
- Le Centre D’Aide et de Lutte Contre Les Agressions à Caractére Sexuel (CALACS), translated to the Centre for Support and Combatting Against Sexual Assault, offers support and services in French to aid survivors of sexual assault.
- Contact: 613-789-8096 ext. 25, calacs@calacs.ca
- 24/7 female aid line (French): 1-877-336-2433
- Group support
- Thematic workshops
- Accompaniment
- Women’s space
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broad range of counselling and support services in both English and French for men, women and children
- Counselling and Family Services (CFS) Ottawa provides many options for people facing challenges with mental health issues and gender-based violence, including walk-in counselling and specialized programs for all demographics.
- Contact: 613-233-8478
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appointment-based counselling services for the Black community
- The Somerset West Community Health Centre hosts counselling services for the Black community, addressing issues including trauma, anxiety, depression and more.
- Contact: 613-571-0097, info@swchc.on.ca
- African, Caribbean & Black Community Support
Group Support
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many services for supporting survivors in French
- Le Centre D’Aide et de Lutte Contre Les Agressions à Caractére Sexuel (CALACS), translated to the Centre for Support and Combatting Against Sexual Assault, offers support and services in French to aid survivors of sexual assault.
- Contact: 613-789-8096 ext. 25, calacs@calacs.ca
- 24/7 female aid line (French): 1-877-336-2433
- Group support
- Thematic workshops
- Accompaniment
- Women’s space
-
individual counselling and group therapy for survivors of abuse
- The Carlington Community Health Centre provides options for survivors of abuse with counselling, support groups and transitional aid.
- Contact: 613-722-4000, info@carlingtonchc.org
- More counselling options
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individual, couples and group therapy for survivors
- The Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma (CTSACT) provides professional therapy and counselling options for survivors, with fees on a sliding scale.
- Contact: 613-233-4929 (voicemail), info@centrefortreatment.com
- Distress centre: 613-238-3311
- Mental health crisis line: 613-722-6914
- Sexual assault and partner abuse care program: 613-798-5555 ext. 13770
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broad range of counselling and support services in both English and French for men, women and children
- Counselling and Family Services (CFS) Ottawa provides many options for people facing challenges with mental health issues and gender-based violence, including walk-in counselling and specialized programs for all demographics.
- Contact: 613-233-8478
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free counselling (individual and group by phone/virtual/in-person)
- The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) therapists offer safe and compassionate spaces for counselling. Counsellors at ORCC specialize in supporting people who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence using a trauma-informed approach.
- Online intake form for counselling
- Chat and text support: 613-544-6424 (available noon to midnight, 7 days/week)
- Emotional support line: 613-562-2333
Indigenous Support
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plethora of short and long-term counselling options for Indigenous women and children
- Minwaashin Lodge provides individual and group counselling services to Indigenous women and children suffering from violence or the effects of the residential school system.
- Contact: 613-741-5590, crisis@minlodge.com
- Crisis line: 613-789-1141
Individual Counselling
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individual counselling and group therapy for survivors of abuse
- The Carlington Community Health Centre provides options for survivors of abuse with counselling, support groups and transitional aid.
- Contact: 613-722-4000, info@carlingtonchc.org
- More counselling options
-
individual, couples and group therapy for survivors
- The Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma (CTSACT) provides professional therapy and counselling options for survivors, with fees on a sliding scale.
- Contact: 613-233-4929 (voicemail), info@centrefortreatment.com
- Distress centre: 613-238-3311
- Mental health crisis line: 613-722-6914
- Sexual assault and partner abuse care program: 613-798-5555 ext. 13770
-
broad range of counselling and support services in both English and French for men, women and children
- Counselling and Family Services (CFS) Ottawa provides many options for people facing challenges with mental health issues and gender-based violence, including walk-in counselling and specialized programs for all demographics.
- Contact: 613-233-8478
-
organization dedicated to education and prevention of gender-based violence
- The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) focuses on providing education and resources to the community to prevent violence against women at individual and legislative levels.
- Contact: info@octevaw-cocvff.ca
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free in-person sexual assault support and counselling
- The Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) Ottawa is a charity and community-based organization supporting all women and survivors of sexual assault, including those from diverse groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Contact: 613-725-2160, info@sascottawa.com
- Ongoing support: 613-857-0197, directservices@sascottawa.com
- Quick response/emergency support: directservices@sascottawa.com or 613-857-0197
Male-focused Support
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male-focused psychotherapy for individuals struggling with emotional challenges or trauma
- Men & Healing is a mental health organization utilizing psychotherapy approaches targeted towards men to heal trauma and emotional challenges. Sliding-scale payments are available for students and marginalised groups.
- Contact: 613-482-9363, info@menandhealing.ca
Newcomer and Racialized Support
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support for immigrant women who have experienced abuse in relationships
- Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (ISWO) provides crisis intervention and counselling for immigrant and racialized women who are survivors of domestic abuse, providing crisis support and language interpretation in Spanish, Arabic and English.
- Contact: 613-729-3145, infomail@iwso.ca, contact form
- Settlement and Integration Help
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appointment-based counselling services for the Black community
- The Somerset West Community Health Centre hosts counselling services for the Black community, addressing issues including trauma, anxiety, depression and more.
- Contact: 613-571-0097, info@swchc.on.ca
- African, Caribbean & Black Community Support
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walk-in and appointment-based counselling services in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
- The Somerset West Community Health Centre provides a range of counselling options for the Chinese community. Counsellors specialize in supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and much more.
- Contact: 613-402-2159, info@swchc.on.ca
- Vietnamese Community Support
Policy Resources
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence
If someone discloses sexual violence to you, your reaction can influence their next steps. The Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence guide explains the impacts of sexual violence and how to respond appropriately.
Formally Reporting an Experience of Sexual Violence
If someone has experienced sexual violence, they can choose their next steps. If they decide to file a formal complaint under the Sexual Violence Policy, this step-by-step guide outlines the process.