This statement contains discussion of sexual assault, gender-based violence, rape culture, and/or other violence that can be emotionally triggering to some individuals.
As the Students’ Society of McGill University, it is our responsibility to make campus a safe and inclusive place for all students. In the past weeks, we have seen an enormous response to issues of sexual violence at elite institutions, and we stand with survivors across different communities to support and uplift their experiences.
As per our Positions Book, the SSMU recognizes that acts of gendered and sexual violence do not occur in isolation, but within the broader landscape of harassment culture that exists on university campuses and beyond. We further acknowledge that addressing sexual violence requires a longstanding commitment to institutional change, survivor-centred support, education, and advocacy as a whole. Following this mandate, we are working to improve our policies and internal regulations to ensure they protect and support our community.
If you wish to help us improve our systems and contribute to this work, we invite you to join the Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy Committee, whose work focuses on addressing issues such as these on campus. Please also do not hesitate to reach out to the Anti-Violence Coordinators at SSMU in the resources section below.
Protecting survivors’ mental and physical health is our top priority, and we seek to promote existing resources while remaining committed to improving support structures in response to evolving student needs.
Resources are available through various bodies, and more information can also be found on our website:
If you need immediate support, you can access professional crisis support, either in person or over the phone, through provincial crisis centres. The centre that covers the area near McGill is called Tracom; their services can be accessed by calling 514-483-3033. Alternatively, provincial sexual violence support hotline, run by the Montreal Sexual Assault Centre, is available 24/7 at 514-933-9007 or 1 888-933-9007.
SSMU
SACOMSS
Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society
The Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society is a volunteer-run organization committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault and their allies through direct support, advocacy, and outreach. Their services include Drop-In and Line (DIAL), Support Groups, Advocacy, and Outreach. The SACOMSS phone line can be reached at 514-398-8500.
PSC
McGill Peer Support Centre
The Peer Support Centre offers free, non-judgmental peer support and can help direct you toward other available resources.
McGill Students’ Nightline – 514-398-6246
nightline.ssmu.ca
The McGill Students’ Nightline is a peer resource which offers confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental listening. Services include active listening, resource referrals, and crisis management. Nightline can be accessed at 514-398-6246.
McGill
OSVRSE
The Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education
The Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education (OSVRSE) provides support to those who have been impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. They provide crisis intervention and short-term counselling and can help connect people who have experienced sexual violence with resources. They can provide information about reporting processes and McGill policies as well as provide accompaniment services for those who wish to make a report, either at McGill or outside of it.
OMR
The Office for Mediation and Reporting
The Office for Mediation and Reporting (OMR) is responsible for receiving and responding to formal reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence against members of the University community. The OMR offers confidential consultations to all members of the University community (students, staff, and faculty) to provide information on reporting processes as well as relevant University resources, support services, and training.
LICM
Legal Information Clinic at McGill
The Student Advocacy Branch at LICM can help students navigate McGill’s internal policies. Their volunteers can inform, advise, and represent students who are undergoing disputes at the University. They can also assist students who have had a complaint filed against them.
McGill Dean of Students
mcgill.ca/deanofstudents
When students’ behaviour may constitute a violation of McGill policies, disciplinary procedures may be initiated. These procedures include a series of checks, balances, and opportunities for appeal. These measures ensure due process and fair treatment to all parties involved. Documents that apply include the Policy Against Sexual Violence and the Student Code of Conduct for Disciplinary Measures.
The Student Wellness Hub
mcgill.ca/wellness-hub
The Student Wellness Hub provides a range of services to support the well-being of McGill Students with a focus on awareness, prevention, and early intervention. It also has a variety of clinicians that provide one-on-one appointments and therapy groups.
Greater Montreal Area
Ending Violence Canada
endingviolencecanada.org
ESVA Canada acknowledges that the gender-based violence/violence against women movement is diverse and multi-faceted and encompasses sometimes diverging perspectives and viewpoints. ESVA Canada is committed to navigating these relationships thoughtfully, maintaining an inclusive and collaborative approach and focusing on areas where perspectives converge. They are constantly learning and broadening our circle and strive to conduct their work in a way that is mindful of power dynamics and that mitigates harm
Montreal Sexual Assault Centre
cvasm.org
The Montreal Sexual Assault Centre (MSAC) has been committed to offering essential support and assistance to anyone affected by sexual violence. Their teams adopt best practices to support individuals affected by violence in all regions of Québec in a spirit of empathy and sensitivity.
Crime Victims Assistance Centres (CAVAC)
cavac.qc.ca/en
Crime Victims Assistance Centres offer free, confidential, front-line services to any crime victim or witness in English, French, or Spanish. They provide accompaniment services to police and judicial processes, as well as post-traumatic and psychosocial intervention.
