Statement from the Director
Victoria International College of Business & Technology values respect for all individuals, civility, diversity, dignity, equality, and freedom. The College is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe learning, living, social, recreational and working environment. We are committed to maintaining a campus free of discrimination and harassment, and strive to foster an atmosphere of healthy attitudes and behaviours towards sexuality, sex and gender roles.
The College will not tolerate behaviours that contribute to a hostile and inequitable learning and working environment. We take seriously our commitment to supporting those who experience sexual violence, and we work diligently on campus and with community partners on programs, policies and resources to ensure that our campus remains free from sexual violence.
I urge all members of the College community to review the Policy and Protocol to learn about options and resources available to those who require support or who wish to support others. Please help to ensure that the College remains a safe and positive space.
Director, Victoria International College of Business & Technology
1. Support Services & Confidential Assistance
Please note: Students are NOT required to report an incident of, or make a complaint about, sexual violence in order to obtain support services.
Students may contact the following designated College personnel directly for confidential assistance, academic accommodation, and healthcare referrals:
Designated Campus Support Officers
2. 24/7 Community & Crisis Helplines
The following external crisis centres and helplines provide immediate, free, and confidential emergency support across Ontario:
| Service Organization | Contact Details | Coverage / Language |
|---|---|---|
| Assaulted Women's Helpline (English) |
Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511 Mobile: #SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido, TELUSTTY: 416-364-8762 | www.awhl.org |
24/7 Ontario-wide |
| Fem'aide (Français) |
Sans frais: 1-877-336-2433 ATS: 1-866-860-7082 | www.femaide.ca |
24/7 Service en français |
| Toronto Rape Crisis Centre (MWAR) |
Crisis Line: 416-597-8808 Office: 416-597-1171 | www.trccmwar.ca |
Multilingual GTA support |
| Oasis Centre des Femmes (Toronto) |
Téléphone: 416-591-6565 Courriel: services@oasisfemmes.org | oasisfemmes.org |
Toronto francophone services |
| Ontario Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centres |
35 hospital-based centres providing 24/7 emergency care sadvtreatmentcentres.ca | satcontario.com |
24/7 Medical & forensic care |
3. How the College Responds to Reports
Where a complaint of sexual violence has been reported to the College, the College exercises utmost care to protect and respect the rights of both the complainant and the respondent:
- Autonomy and Choice: The College understands that individuals who have experienced sexual violence may wish to control whether and how their experience is dealt with by law enforcement and/or the College. In most circumstances, the person retains this control.
- Immunity Protection: Under this policy, students who report an incident or make a complaint in good faith will not be subject to discipline or sanctions for violations of College drug or alcohol policies occurring at the time the alleged sexual violence took place.
- Protection from Irrelevant Questioning: Students disclosing or reporting sexual violence will not be asked irrelevant questions during the investigation process, including questions relating to the student's sexual expression or past sexual history.
- Disciplinary Accountability: Sexual violence is considered a serious offence under Victoria International College's code of conduct and will be addressed with appropriate sanctions up to expulsion or termination.
4. Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "It was not rape, so it was not sexual violence." | Any unwanted sexual contact—including touching, fondling, rubbing, kissing, or non-physical acts like stalking or distributing intimate images—is sexual violence and causes serious harm. |
| "Sexual assault is most often committed by strangers in dark places." | Approximately 82% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim (acquaintances, dating partners, colleagues), and the majority happen in private residences or familiar environments. |
| "If an individual does not report to the police, it was not assault." | Fewer than 1 in 10 victims report to police due to trauma, shame, or fear. Non-reporting does not mean the assault did not occur. |
| "It is not a big deal to have sex when someone is drunk or passed out." | If a person is incapacitated, unconscious, or impaired by alcohol/drugs, they cannot legally give consent. Without consent, sexual activity is sexual assault under Canadian law. |