Sexual Violence Prevention, Response and Resources

Know your rights. Receive support. Access services.

"We are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe learning, living, social, recreational and working environment. This means maintaining a campus free of discrimination and harassment, and striving to foster an atmosphere of healthy attitudes and behaviours towards sexuality, sex and gender roles."

-George Brown College President Anne Sado

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a broad term used to describe any violence, physical or psychological, carried out by sexual means or by targeting sexuality. It includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, degrading sexual imagery or communications and cyber harassment.

You can read George Brown College's Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol for more information.

What can I do about it?

Understand consent

Sexual activity without consent is sexual assault. Here are some points on consent, courtesy of the Ontario Women's Directorate:

  • Consent is never assumed or implied
  • Silence or the absence of "no" is not consent
  • Consent cannot be given if a victim is impaired by alcohol or drugs or is unconscious
  • Consent cannot be obtained through threats or coercion
  • Consent can be revoked at any time
  • Consent cannot be obtained if the perpetrator abuses a position of trust, power or authority

If you've experienced sexual violence

Find a trusted friend or colleague or speak with George Brown College's Sexual Violence Response Advisor, (416) 415-5000 ext. 3450 or diversity@georgebrown.ca.

What if someone discloses to you?

  1. Believe the survivor.
  2. Take steps to ensure the survivor's safety short and long term by assisting them in contacting the resources required, such as 911, public safety and security, or community supports.
  3. Refer the survivor to the Sexual Violence Response Advisor (SVRA) and the Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol.
  4. Accompany the survivor to appropriate resources, e.g. SVRA, Counselling, Union, etc. Report the incident to the SVRA.
  5. Ensure the survivor gets any emotional and academic support required.
  6. Respect the choices of the survivor with regards to taking legal action or not.
  7. Get support for yourself through Employee Assistance Program, Counselling Services, or external resources.

Resources for survivors of sexual assault

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, help is available at George Brown College through the Sexual Violence Response Advisor and the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services.

In case of emergency, contact Public Safety and Security on campus or dial 911 off campus.

Resources at George Brown College:

Resources - Off-Campus / Community:

Draw the Line

The Draw The Line interactive campaign aims to engage people in a dialogue about sexual violence. The campaign challenges common myths about sexual violence and equips bystanders with information on how to intervene safely and effectively.

Land acknowledgement

George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.


Learn more about our land acknowledgment