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Sexual Harassment

Vancouver Island University is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free of sexual harassment. This means that VIU endeavours to respond appropriately to any incidents of sexual harassment and to educate members of the VIU community about sexual harassment.

VIU has policy and procedures in place to guide responses to complaints of sexual harassment. An Advisor has been assigned to receive complaints and to assist students and employees in dealing with sexual harassment issues.

VIU's policy provides for a wide range of responses to established complaints of sexual harassment. The harasser may be educated on appropriate conduct or asked to write a letter of apology to the complainant; the University may also take further disciplinary action, including expulsion or dismissal.

Education is a key component in the prevention of sexual harassment. The Advisor is available to facilitate a workshop in your department or classroom on sexual harassment, sexism, sexual assault or other human rights issues.

Human Rights Advisor
Building 200, Room 223
Nanaimo Campus
250-740-6430

Sexual Harassment is behaviour of a sexual nature by a person who knows, or ought reasonably to know, that the behaviour is unwanted or unwelcome; and

  • which interferes with another person's participation in an institution-related activity; or
  • leads to or implies employment or academically-related consequences for the person harassed; or
  • which creates a poisoned environment.

Examples

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, behaviour such as:

  • repeated, unwelcome invitations or requests to socialize;
  • derogatory and/or offensive comments about women or men;
  • unnecessary and unwelcome physical contact such as hugging, patting, pinching; etc.
  • criminal harassment (stalking) and sexual assault, including acquaintance/date rape.

Sexual Harassment is not

  • a relationship of mutual consent
  • a hug between friends
  • mutual flirtation

If You Are Being Harassed

Sexual harassment, and the reporting of sexual harassment, can be intimidating. You are advised, however, not to ignore the matter, and not to assume the problem will go away by itself. You can stop the harassment by taking action, either by yourself or with the help of others.

Refuse to blame yourself; someone elses behaviour is not your responsibility or fault.

Tell the harasser to stop, if you can

Tell the person as clearly, firmly, and directly as you can that his or her behaviour is offensive and unwanted. Tell the person that you want the harassment to stop immediately. This can be done in person or in writing.

Keep notes

Keep a record of when and where the harassment occurred, what was said or done, and names of witnesses. This information is important if you choose to file a complaint.

Seek advice

If saying no does not stop the offensive behaviour, or if you cannot say no because you fear consequences, it is time to seek help.

The Advisor can outline your options, help you develop your own strategy for responding to sexual harassment, and can assist you with its implementation.

An informal consultation with the Advisor does not commit you to making a formal complaint.

Make a complaint

If you decide to proceed with a complaint, the Advisor can attempt to resolve the complaint informally, or, at your request, refer the complaint for formal action by Vancouver Island University administration.

Contact The Advisor

The Advisor is available to help all members of the University community take action against sexual harassment. The Advisor can help you assess the situation, determine whether the behaviour meets the criteria for action under VIU's policy, and outline your options.

To Contact The Advisor

Human Rights Advisor
Building 200, Room 213B
Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo Campus
250-740-6430
Email: humanrights@viu.ca