Sexual Violence Prevention Guide
What is Project Lighthouse?
Through compassion, education, and awareness, Project Lighthouse aims to reduce sexual violence at Algonquin College and support survivors of sexual violence. Project Lighthouse is here to ‘shine the light’ on sexual violence and navigating healthy sexual relationships.
Algonquin College Residence works in collaboration with the Project Lighthouse mission and vision, and we operate from the foundation of BELIEVEing survivors of sexual violence first and foremost in all support, judicial, or administrative proceedings.
If you have experienced sexual violence, there are on-campus and off-campus resources to help. Sexual violence is any UNWANTED sexual contact. It is never okay and it is not your fault.
We are here to support you.
Make a Report
Click the button below and once redirected, scroll to the bottom of the page to make your report with Security Services. You can make an anonymous report.
Don’t want to report?
Resources Available to You:
Sexual Violence Disclosure Brochure for Students
On Campus, Off Campus & Emergency Resources
If you have experienced sexual violence, here are local resources in Ottawa that are able to provide you with support.
Residence Resources
For Support Accessing Resources:
Email Dana, our Residence Community Standards Coordinator, at ddeline@algonquinresidence.ca
Residence Counsellor
To book an appointment with Nadine McLean, our Residence Counsellor, email welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com with your name and student number. Specify that you would like to book an appointment with Nadine in your email.
Group Counselling
Group counselling sessions are offered on a variety of topics to help you develop skills to manage your mental health concerns and improve mental wellness. Group counselling boosts your skills, coping strategies, and support system by providing a safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences. It enhances your connection to others, and provides you with a variety of approaches and perspectives to help you deal with challenges.
SASCOttawa also runs a support group for young women who have experienced sexual violence between ages 14-24: https://sascottawa.com/services/young-womyn-project/
No registration is required.
Ottawa Civic Hospital
The Civic Hospital has trauma-informed services for sexual assault and evidence collection.
Phone: 613-798-5555 ext. 13770 | Visit the website
- You are not required to disclose or report to anyone, including the police
- They will see anyone for recent sexual violence (within the last 2-3 weeks)
- They can provide medical services (sexually transmitted infection and blood borne virus prevention, testing and treatment; pregnancy prevention and/or testing; injury documentation and safety planning)
- They can also provide forensic services (collection and storage of the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit), with or without police involvement, and anonymous reporting to police
- Evidence can be stored for up to a year
- Evidence can be collected for any unwanted sexual contact
- If you want to provide more evidence for forensic analysis, you can bring clothes and sheets to the hospital with you, even if washed. Residence staff can provide you with new sheets.
Information on Sexual Assault and Consent
All members of the Algonquin College community have a right to work, study, and socialize in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence, including (but not limited to) sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, and/or voyeurism.
Click here to learn more about your rights in relation to sexual assault and consent.
Project Lighouse Events
Help us build a culture of safety and consent here at Algonquin College by attending our events throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosures
What happens if I disclose in Residence or to an RA? Do I have to include my name?
If a disclosure happens with Residence Staff, the staff are required to document a full report that includes your name. This report is only given to the Residence Life Manager.
Your name will be removed from the report and then an anonymous report is forwarded to Security Services. Your information will not be released to Security unless a risk assessment determines that there is a serious risk to the community.
What happens if I make a formal report with my name?
Residence Management will contact Security Services for you, accompany you while Security Staff speaks with you (if you want us to), and refer you to campus and community resources.
Two security officers in uniform will make a report which will trigger an investigation. A plainclothes investigator will then contact you and anyone mentioned in your report for a formal statement. When Security Services arrives, you can decide if you want the Police to be contacted or not.
What happens if I am on campus and not in Residence? Do I have to include my name?
If you go to Security Services in person, your name will be requested. If you chose not to give your name, Security Services will take down information in an anonymous report to have it on file, but will not investigate further. You can also make an anonymous report online, however, there will not be an investigation. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the reporting system.
You can also report to any Algonquin College Staff and ask not to share your name. Your confidentiality will always be respected.
Can I report an incident that happened off-campus or not in residence?
Yes, and resources will be offered.
There may not be grounds for Security Services to investigate if the incident occurred off-campus or at an unsanctioned event. The Police or Ottawa Victim Services can provide assistance in an investigation for incidents that occur off-campus.
Do I have to include the name of the person who assaulted me?
No. We encourage you to provide the name of the person who assaulted you so that Security Services can conduct a risk assessment with any other information they have to ensure your future safety and the safety of the community.
If you choose not to disclose the suspect’s name, no investigation will take place.
Will the Police be called?
It is your decision whether to involve the police or not, and staff will respect your decision.
Just know that if there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself, another person, or the community, Security will contact the police.
Will you tell my parents?
If you are over 18, no. Residence and Campus Staff will not release your information to your parents without a signed release of information from you.
Are there any circumstances under which my confidentially can be broken?
Yes. If you are a survivor of a serial assaulter, or the incident is considered grievous based on an object risk assessment, confidentiality may be broken and Security will be provided with your name. If your information is shared you will be informed.
All RAs and Front Desk staff are trained in an ‘up not out’ approach to taking a disclosure. This means that any information they receive is only being given to their direct manager and cannot be given to other RAs, staff members, or students on of off residence.
Who will know what happened to me when I make the report?
If your disclosure happens in Residence, the person you disclose to will know, the Residence On-Call Manager will be called, and a report will be provided to the Residence Life Manager. No one else will be informed.
You can decide if you want an anonymous report sent to Security Services or an investigation.
If you disclose on campus, Security Services keeps all investigations confidential and you will be told if we have to inform someone (Residence Management, faculty etc.).
Can I decide to report later on?
Yes, you can report at any time.
If I change my mind after I report, do I have to keep going in the investigation?
No, you can stop an investigation at any time.
If the incident raises serious safety concerns for the community, Security Services may continue to investigate without you.
What Happens Next?
If I name the person who assaulted me, will they be get kicked out of Residence?
A risk assessment will be conducted by Security Services that may or may not result in the person’s removal from Residence temporarily or permanently.
A communication ban, which does not allow the person to speak, contact, or approach you, can be issued by Security Services or Residence Management at any time.
What will happen to the person who assaulted me if I report them?
They will be interviewed regarding the accusation and may appear in front of a Student Conduct Board as per Student Conduct Policy SA07.
The Student Conduct Board issues sanctions for all misconduct on campus that range from warnings to expulsions.
What happens during an investigation?
All parties are interviewed (survivor, suspect, and witnesses). CCTV video and other evidence are collected and analyzed and the accused may be sent to a Student Conduct Board hearing to determine sanctions.
Will the person who assaulted me find out that I reported them?
If you chose to have an investigation, your name will be provided to the person as part of the investigation.
What do I do if the person who assaulted me retaliates?
Security Services will investigate all cases of retaliation, harassment and bullying, and appropriate sanctions will be given.
Keep any evidence of retaliation (emails, DMs, social media messages or posts, etc.) and document the date, time, and place of any in-person harassment.
If there is an immediate threat to your safety, contact 911 or inform Residence Staff or Security Services immediately.
What do I do if their friends approach me in person or online, ask me questions, or take their side during the investigation?
If friends harass you, report this to Security Services. It will be investigated and appropriate sanctions will be given.
Keep any evidence of retaliation (emails, DMs, social media messages or posts, etc.) and document the date, time, and place of any in-person harassment.
If there is an immediate threat to your safety, contact 911 or inform Residence Staff or Security Services immediately.
Do you need screenshots of texts, snapchats and/or DMs to prove harassment? What info should I collect?
All information showing harassment can be used as evidence to support your claim.
Collect all communications, photos, text messages, direct messages, etc. Document the date, time, and location of any in-person harassment.
Report harassment to Security Services directly or to Residence Staff.
I am scared to see the person in Residence or on campus. What can I do to feel safe?
Security can provide a personalized safety plan for you.
Residence Services can move you to a different suite permanently, or provide a temporary suite for a limited period of time.
RAs are on duty each evening from 7:00 PM until midnight (and 2:00 AM on weekends), and the Front Desk is available 24/7 (dial 0 from your Residence phone). Residence Staff cannot provide mental health support, but they can help or contact Security on your behalf.
Who can I talk to for support?
Counselling Services, Residence Staff, Security Services, Health Services, the Mamidosewin Centre, and faculty.
Counselling Services can also support you in requesting academic accommodations.
See a complete list of resources and contact information here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/projectlighthouse/ottawa-support/
If I want to move out of Residence because I am scared, can I get my money back?
You can appeal the Residence cancellation fee. Contact Dana Deline at ddeline@algonquinresidence.ca for support in withdrawing from Residence.
What happens if I drop out of college?
You can appeal the Residence cancellation fee and potentially only pay for the days you stayed in Residence. Contact Dana Deline at ddeline@algonquinresidence.ca for support in withdrawing from Residence.
Contact Counselling Services for stress support and information around academic support while leaving.
If you remove yourself from Algonquin College, contact the Registrar’s Office for support withdrawing or the Office of the Ombudsman.