Sexual Violence Prevention + Support
ECU is committed to providing a safe environment free from sexual and gender-based violence.
If you have experienced or witnessed sexual violence, this page will help you access the support you need. Do you need urgent help? Call 9-1-1 for ambulance, fire or police.
What is sexual violence and misconduct?
Sexual violence is any physical, verbal or psychological action that targets someone’s sexuality. It can happen in person or online and can include distributing explicit photographs and videos without consent, stalking, verbal comments or gestures, threats or exploitation.
If it’s happened to you, it’s not your fault. Even if you’re unsure about what you’ve experienced, we’re here to listen and help.
Gender-based violence targets an individual’s gender. It may include dead-naming, incorrect gendering or revealing an individual’s gender without consent. It may also include sexualized elements, like harassment, degrading imagery or stalking.
Explore ECU’s policies and procedures on sexual and gender-based misconduct.
How to Report Incidents of Violence
Reporting involves requesting the university or another authority to take action. This may include an investigation, disciplinary measures or another form of resolution, based on your needs and the situation.
If you are not ready to file a report but want to talk or access support, explore the options below.
Get Help On Campus
The Student Resource Coordinator (SRC) can listen and help you navigate your options in a confidential, safe space. If you decide to take action, such as filing a report against someone else, the SRC will accompany you and provide support.
Free, confidential and supportive counselling services are available to Emily Carr University students. Our counsellors can provide information about your options for reporting sexual violence or misconduct, support you through the reporting process and connect you to community resources. Counselling is available in person and online.
Campus Security is on-site at all times. They can provide first aid, contact emergency responders, investigate suspicious activity and provide SafeWalk services to your car or bus stop. Security is located behind the Reception Desk on Level 2. Call them at 604-844-3838, or use one of the black security phones located across campus.
Find 24/7 Support and Urgent Care
- Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre: 1-877-392-7583. If you decide to go to the hospital, you can ask someone from Salal to accompany you.
- Vancouver Police Department: call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or 604-717-3321 for non-emergencies.
- Vancouver Coastal Health Sexual Assault Services will give you contact information for hospitals in the Vancouver area.
- Fraser Health Sexual Assault Services will give you contact information for hospitals in the Fraser Valley area, including Burnaby and Surrey.
At the hospital, you have the right to choose what services you receive. You can say no to any tests, exams or questions you’re not comfortable with. You can also change your mind at any time.
The doctor or nurse can treat injuries, offer emergency contraception, collect forensic evidence and refer you to a counsellor or social worker. You can ask the hospital to store your evidence for up to one year. This gives you with the option to report if and when you feel ready to do so.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Support
- Access Pro Bono provides legal advice for low and modest income individuals.
- B.C. Legal Aid provides help for B.C. residents in criminal, family and immigration matters.
- Stand Informed Legal Advice Services provides free confidential advice to help you understand if what happened to you was sexual assault.
Support Someone Affected by Sexual or Gender-based Violence
Here are some ways to support someone who has shared their experience of sexual violence with you. Remember that each survivor has the right to choose what’s best for them. Safety can mean different things for different people.
- Recognize that a person may tell you about something that happened to them without using the words “sexual violence” or sexual assault.
- Respond with empathy. Ask the person what they need, but avoid questions about what happened or why it happened. Listen without interrupting and let them know that you believe them. Remind them that, regardless of what happened or what happens next, it’s not their fault.
- Share resources. You can find a list below.
- Please ensure privacy and confidentiality. If you need help, contact Counselling Services.
Community Resources
- VictimLinkBC provides 24/7 toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service and support to victims of crime, family and sexual violence.
- Battered Women Supports Services provides support for women who have experienced sexual or domestic violence, with specific support available for Black, Latina, LGBTQIA2S+, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee women.
- Prism Services provides education, information and referrals for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
- Trans Lifeline connects trans people to community, support and resources.
- Qmunity offers health and wellness counselling for queer, trans and Two-Spirit folks at reduced or no cost.
- Healing in Colour is a directory of BIPOC therapists committed to supporting individuals who are BIPOC, queer and trans.
- MOSAIC Multicultural Victim Services offers free and confidential services for immigrants, refugees and newcomers of all genders and backgrounds.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society provides essential services to residential school survivors, their families and those dealing with intergenerational traumas.
- BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse provides treatment and support services for male survivors of sexual abuse as well as support for significant others and relatives of survivors.
- Stopping the Violence Counselling provides individual and group counselling for women and transwomen who have experienced current or past relationship abuse, sexual assault, or physical, emotional or sexual abuse at any age.