Risk Reduction Strategies

If you are Assaulted
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Concentrate on surviving.
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When the assault is occurring, try to pay attention
to as much detail as possible, so that you can
report clearly, if you choose to do so.
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After the assault, get to a safe place.
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Get medical care and/or counseling support.
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Do not isolate yourself or feel guilty.
It is NOT your fault!
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Talk about the assault with a friend, Residence
Assistant or to any of the resources below. We do
encourage formal reporting.
Thunder Bay:
Office of Vice-Provost (Student Affairs)
(807) 343-8522
vprovost-sa@lakeheadu.ca
University Security
(807) 343-8569
Thunder Bay Police Service
(807) 684-1200 (non-emergency)
(807) 684-1333 (TDD)
Orillia:
Office of the Associate Vice-Provost
(705) 330-4008, ext. 2100
fcapp@lakeheadu.ca
Security
(705) 330-4008, 2009
Ontario Provincial Police (Orillia Detachment)
(705) 326-3536
Deciding What to Do
Students who have been sexually assaulted have many
options and services available to them both on and off
campus. Please reach out to the Office of the ViceProvost (Student Affairs) in Thunder Bay or the Associate
Vice-Provost in Orillia where staff are prepared and
equipped to assist you in accessing resources and
support.
Resources
Campus Resources
Thunder Bay:
Security
Office of Student Affairs
Student Health and Counselling
Harassment & Discrimination Officer
LUSU
Gender Issues Centre
(807) 343-8911
(807) 343-8522
(807) 343-8361
(807) 343-8578
(807) 343-8259
(807) 343-8879
Risk Reduction
Strategies
Reducing the Risk of Sexual
Assault and Other Forms of
Sexual Violence
Orillia:
Orillia Security
Student Affairs
The Wellness Centre
Orillia LUSU Office
(705) 330-4008, ext. 2009
(705) 330-4008, ext. 2100
(705) 330-4008, ext. 2115
(705) 330-4008, ext. 2180
Community Resources
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
www.awhl.org
1-866-863-0511 (toll-free)
1-866-863-7868 (TTY)
#7233 on Bell Mobility phone
Thunder Bay:
Thunder Bay Crisis Response Services
(807) 346-8282
1-888-269-3100
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre –
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
(807) 684-6751 Orillia:
Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
(705) 327-9155 or (877) 377-7438
North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services
(705) 325-5578
This brochure provides general information only and is not to be
used as legal or medical advice.
Sexual Assault is not tolerated and
violates a person’s right and safety to
study and work. Lakehead University
works to be an environment that is free
of violence and nurtures a sense of
learning and positive growth.
What is Sexual Assault?
Consent:
Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced or coerced
into sexual activity. It can include non-consensual kissing,
fondling, grabbing, and oral, anal or vaginal penetration.
Forcing or coercing someone to touch you sexually is also
sexual assault. Sexual assault is prohibited by section 271
of the Criminal Code of Canada.
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Forms of Sexual Assault
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Sexual assault can happen to anyone, female or male and
can come in one or more forms:
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Stranger – assault is perpetrated by someone the
victim does not know
Acquaintance – assault is perpetrated by someone
known to the victim (e.g. a classmate, friend,
co-worker, neighbour, current or former partner, etc.)
Date – assault is perpetrated by the victim’s date
Gang – assault is perpetrated by more than one
attacker
Marital – assault is perpetrated by the victim’s spouse
or life partner
Drug Facilitated – assault is perpetrated by
administering a drug to the victim such as alcohol,
GHB, Rohypnol, prescription sleeping pills, etc.
Healthy Communication
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Keep your cell phone charged and accessible for
emergencies.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid situations in
which you might be vulnerable.
Avoid taking shortcuts through dark, secluded areas.
Party Risk Reduction Strategies
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Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
If you choose to drink, be aware of your limits and the
factors that influence how quickly you will experience
the effects of alcohol – such as food consumed,
energy level, stress, general health, etc.
If you start to feel lightheaded, nauseous, dizzy, or
otherwise strange and you have not been drinking or
had that much to drink, get help immediately. Your
drink may have been drugged.
Watch who makes your drink, cover it with your hand,
and never leave your drink unattended.
Make plans ahead of time so someone will know
where you are. If your plans change, call that person
and let her/him know the new plan.
Never go to a bar or party alone! Always use the
buddy system.
Never leave your friends to fend for themselves. If
you arrived with a group of four friends, leave with the
same four friends. Look after one another.
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Make conscious, active choices.
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Mean what you say and express what you feel. Don’t
“play games”.
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Be clear about your intentions and if you want to stop
at any time, say so.
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Be assertive. If you are uncomfortable with
someone’s actions toward you, say so and tell them
to stop.
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If you are unsure of someone’s intentions or wishes,
ask. Don’t make assumptions based on behaviour,
body language, clothing, etc.
Dating Risk Reduction Strategies
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Consent must be informed, freely given and active
It is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and
affirmative responses at all stages of sexual
engagement
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Reducing the Risk
What is Consent?
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No matter what form it takes, sexual assault is illegal,
against University policy, and is completely unacceptable.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada (Section 273.1),
consent is the voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual
activity in question. There must be an understandable
exchange of affirmative words that indicates a willingness
to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.
Is not silence or the absence of “no”;
Is never assumed or implied;
Cannot be given by someone who is incapacitated
by alcohol or drugs or who is unconscious;
Can never be obtained through threats, coercion
or other pressure tactics;
Can be revoked at any time;
Cannot be obtained if the perpetrator abuses a
position of trust, power, or authority; and
Cannot be assumed from previous consent or
similar activities
General Risk Reduction Strategies
(continued)
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Always ask for and obtain permission before
touching, kissing, or engaging in any sexual behavior
each and every time and for each and every activity.
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If you are uncomfortable talking about sex with a
potential partner, you probably are not ready to have
sex with this person.
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General Risk Reduction Strategies
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Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong or
dangerous, it might be. Get away and call for help.
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Always walk/exercise in pairs or groups.
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Avoid participating in distracting activities while
running or walking (i.e wearing headphones, talking
on a cell phone, etc.).
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Use care when selecting places you go on a first
date. Try to go on a first date with a group of people
you know well and in a public, populated place. When someone you just met at a party or bar invites
you to her/his car or apartment, question her/his
intentions. Do not think that because someone has spent a lot of
time, attention, or money on you that it obligates you
to repay that person sexually. Do not hesitate to say “NO” in any situation where
you are uncomfortable or afraid.