Everyone in the University of Ottawa community has a role to play in preventing and responding to sexual violence. There are responsibilities shared by all, and unique roles for specific campus groups.

  • Modelling positive behaviours and attitudes by:
    • Demonstrating respectful behaviour in personal relationships;
    • Valuing diversity;
    • Resolving conflicts in constructive and non-violent ways;
    • intervene safely when you witness sexual violence, whether directly or indirectly;
    • Speaking out against negative attitudes and intervening when comments are made that promote rape myths, sexual violence and discrimination. This is more than comments, they are also the actions must be prevented;
  • Having open discussions with peers about sexual violence on campus;
  • Responding in a sympathetic, non-judgmental and supportive way when a sexual assault or other act of sexual violence is disclosed;
  • Being a supportive listener when survivors wish to discuss their experiences;
  • Respecting survivors’ privacy and how much information they choose to disclose;
  • Ensuring the confidentiality of the survivor and the accused and discouraging rumours and allegations;
  • Being aware of the Policy 67b - Prevention of Sexual Violence and how to contact the response team;
  • Willingly participating in investigations;
  • Participating in training and public education initiatives on sexual violence prevention and supporting survivors;
  • Recognizing that relationships of trust and authority exist between many members of the campus community (for example, professors and students, teaching assistants and students, managers and staff), and that it is necessary to maintain appropriate relationships;

These following groups have specific roles:

Contact us

Human Rights Office

1 Stewart St.
(Main Floor – Room 121)
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5222
Email: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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