What is sexual violence and misconduct?

Sexualized violence and misconduct is a broad term that includes sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. The word 'violence' is not limited to physical violence, and also includes emotional and psychological harm.

Throughout these webpages you will find the phrases 'sexual violence and misconduct' and 'sexualized violence' used interchangeably.


Support and reporting options

  • Get support – I have experienced sexualized violence.
  • Give support – I am supporting an individual who has experienced sexualized violence.
  • Report and disclose – I want to learn about reporting and disclosure options.

Definitions

Disclosure:

When a person chooses to share information with another person about an instance of sexual violence or misconduct. A disclosure does not initiate an investigation unless a report is made or any of the following conditions exist:

  • An individual is deemed to be at imminent risk of self-harm;
  • An individual is deemed to be at imminent risk of harming others;
  • Reporting is required by law.

Report:

When a person chooses to file a formal report made by a member of the university community to the Response and Support Team of an incident of sexual violence and/or misconduct with the intention of initiating an investigation process.


Response and Support Team (RST)

The RST provides confidential support to anyone affected by sexualized violence and helps navigate options for safety, accommodations, and reporting.

  • Who we are: Members of the UNBC community trained in trauma-informed support.
  • What we do: Provide information and resources to anyone affected by sexualized violence, and guide individuals through reporting or disclosure processes.

Contact the Response and Support Team


Policy

The University of Northern British Columbia’s Sexual Violence and Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy was created out of the recognition that sexualized violence is a pervasive problem both on and off campus. UNBC acknowledges its responsibility in preventing and responding to sexualized violence. The policy outlines rights, responsibilities, and processes for individuals affected by sexualized violence.