Sexual Violence Response & Support

Cape Breton University is committed to creating an environment that is free from sexual violence (actual or threatened), abuse, aggression and harassment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 or dial 911.

The Cape Breton University Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Policy is intended to outline commitments to raise awareness and educate on sexual violence, to prevent sexual violence, to reduce the risk of sexual violence incidents, to promote a consent culture and to respond to the needs in our community for support and empowerment.

This policy confirms Cape Breton University’s position on sexual violence and the guidelines to be followed in the case of disclosure or complaint from any student, for any incident occurring on or off campus by a member of the University community.

Please refer to Cape Breton University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Policy for options on response and support.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate (SVPRA) will ensure the needs of members of the CBU Community who have experienced sexual violence are met. The SVPRA is a person who has training and/or experience in trauma-informed practice, gender-based violence, sexual assault law and sexual violence investigations and procedures. The SVPRA is intended to be a single point of contact and support and will provide individualized information, advice, assistance and triage individuals who want to access other supports under this Policy to the appropriate supports.

Services offered by the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate include:

• Understanding your options
• Safety planning
• Immediate safety measures/accommodations
• Information about, and referrals to, support services available on and off campus
• Academic support/accommodation
• Ongoing support and advocacy
• Reporting on and off campus

If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

If you feel you are in danger, call 911.

If you are on campus and need assistance, contact Campus Security at 902-578-2316.

If you need medical attention, contact the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program
Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the 24 hour response line: 1-844-858-8036

Contact the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate for support and to learn about your options and resources. svreport@cbu.ca

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate is here to support you if you have been the victim of sexual assault or violence. From accessing resources or filing a complaint, to referrals for professional counselling and medical support or academic supports, you are not alone. This is not your fault and we encourage you to talk to someone you trust. We also encourage you to seek medical attention, even if you feel you have no obvious injuries.

Amnesty for Drug/Alcohol Misconduct by Survivors/Victims

CBU recognizes that some individuals may be reluctant to come forward to disclose or report sexual violence if they were drinking or using drugs at the time of the event, particularly if doing so violated an employment, student or athletic code of conduct.

A member of the CBU Community who makes a disclosure or report in good faith will not be subject to disciplinary actions by CBU for violations of CBU policies related to drugs or alcohol at the time the sexual violence took place. Your safety matters most.

Resources and Support

Internal Resources

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate
Sonya Spencer
(902) 565-5328
svreport@cbu.ca

Campus Security
(902) 578-2316
24 hours/day – 7 days/week

Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre
(902) 563-1359

Manager, Emergency Management & Security Services
(782) 777-0191

External Resources

SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program
Cape Breton Regional Hospital
24 hour response line: 1-844-858-8036

Cape Breton Transition House Crisis/Support Line
(902) 539-2945 or toll free line 1-800-563-2945
24 hours/day – 7 days/week

Mental Health Nova Scotia Crisis Line
toll-free 1-888-429-8167 or proceed to the emergency department of your local hospital.

In Sydney, the Emergency Department is located at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital
1482 George Street
Sydney, NS B1P 1P3
24 hours/day – 7 days/week

For help finding local resources or to talk with a counsellor call 211 available 24/7
To speak with a registered nurse call 811 available 24/7

Cape Breton Regional Police Service
Emergency 911
Non- emergency (902) 563-5151