Preamble
Wilfrid Laurier University (Laurier) and the Department of Athletics & Recreation recognizes an individual’s right to work, study and live in an environment of mutual respect and understanding that is free from discrimination and all forms of Gendered and Sexual Violence.
As a student-athlete at Laurier you are expected to embody the characteristics and leadership of what it truly means to be a Golden Hawk. As a student athlete you are ambassadors for Laurier no matter where you are. You are personifying the values of what it means to be a Golden Hawk and displaying these characteristics to others.
As such, Laurier is committed to addressing Gendered and Sexual Violence within the University Community through education, awareness, prevention, support and accountability. Laurier acknowledges that deeply held social attitudes contribute to the perpetuation of Gendered and Sexual Violence and operate to minimize the understanding of the extent and impact of Gendered and Sexual Violence in our communities.
It is the responsibility of all student-athletes at Wilfrid Laurier University to understand and foster an environment where I will an individual’s right to work, study and live in an environment of mutual respect and understanding that is free from discrimination and all forms of Gendered and Sexual Violence.
Laurier’s Commitment
Laurier is committed to fostering a university culture where:
- Gendered and Sexual Violence is unacceptable and not tolerated;
- Survivors are supported with compassion, dignity and respect;
- There are a range of supports available to Survivors that are responsive to their Intersecting Identities, lived experiences, and healing needs;
- All Members of the University Community have access to education about Gendered and Sexual Violence; and
- Individuals and groups who commit acts of Gendered and/or Sexual Violence are held accountable through University procedures that follow principles of fairness.
The Gendered & Sexual Violence policy at Laurier will aim to:
- Empower the University Community to be proactive bystanders.
- Be rooted in the knowledge that Gendered and Sexual Violence impacts everyone but does not impact everyone
- Women, in particular Aboriginal and racialized women and women with disabilities, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community experience Gendered and Sexual Violence more frequently.
- Address prevalent myths about Gendered and Sexual Violence that function to blame and stigmatize Survivors, and perpetuate a culture in which this violence is normalized.
- Encourage compassionate responses guided by trauma-informed principles that prioritize safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
- Promote a culture of consent through the following principles:
- Consent is active: the absence of “no” is not consent;
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time through words or behaviour;
- It is the responsibility of the person who wants to engage in physical contact or sexual activity to make sure that they have consent from the other person(s) involved;
- Consent to one sexual act does not constitute or imply consent to a different sexual act;
- Consent given at one time does not indicate or suggest that consent has been given at other times or will be given at a future time;
- Consent is required regardless of the parties’ relationship status or sexual history together;
- Consent cannot be given by a person who is incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, or who is unconscious, asleep, or otherwise lacks the capacity to give consent;
- Consent can never be obtained through threats, trickery, coercion, pressure or other forms of control or intimidation; and
- Consent may be compromised where individuals are in a position of power and/or authority (e.g., a coach, Student leader, teaching assistant, professor or supervisor).
Reporting
4.00 University Reporting:
Reports can be made to the Sexual Violence Support Advocate, Senior Advisor of Dispute Resolution and Support, the Deans of Students or Residence Life Managers. Reports can be made in-person, by email, or by phone and may be made by someone who has experienced Gendered or Sexual Violence, or someone who has witnessed Gendered or Sexual Violence. Anonymous Reports will also be accepted however the University’s ability to respond may be limited by the information available.
4.01 Reports can also be filed 24-7 with Special Constable Services. Special Constable Services can provide immediate crisis and safety support. Reports to Special Constable Services may be shared with the local, regional police and cases may be transferred to the police.
4.02 University Reporting Contacts
- Residence Life Manager Waterloo - Candice Bean, cbean@wlu.ca
- Residence Life Manager Brantford - Jennifer Greene, jgreene@wlu.ca or 519.756.8228 x5856
- Special Constable Services Waterloo (including Kitchener) - dispatch@wlu.ca or 519.885.3333
- Special Constable Services Brantford - dispatch@wlu.ca or 519.756.8228 x5762
4.03 External Reporting Reports may also be filed with the local, regional police for 24-7 crisis intervention, to generate a record of the case, and/or to pursue criminal charges.
4.04 External Reporting Contacts
- Waterloo Regional Police (serves Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge) - for emergencies 911, for non emergencies 519.653.7700
- Brantford Police Service, for emergencies 911, for non-emergencies 519.756.0113
I fully understand the values as outlined in this document. I also understand that it is my responsibility to understand and be fully aware of the “full” Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy & Procedures as outlined
wlu.ca and embody the characteristics of what it means to be a student athlete and a Golden Hawk.
