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Community Safety

The Community Safety Office (CSO) responds to the personal safety concerns of students, staff, and faculty members of Huron, and offers support on a short term basis.

The CSO responds to all personal safety concerns by addressing the complaint, assessing the personal and community safety risks and by providing a continuum of intervention options that the complainant can explore in order to address their personal safety concern(s).  The CSO can also assist in co-creating a safety plan, and in referring and working in partnership with various offices in order to address the individual’s personal safety concerns.  The office can help community members file official complaints to the University under Huron’s Sexual Violence Policy.

Additionally, the office will be offering sexual violence prevention programming and women’s self defence sessions each year. 

Do you have an emergency?

24-hour Campus Community Police Services

Emergency
911
Non-Emergency Number
519-661-3300
Name / Description
Mental Health Crisis Helpline
Phone Number
1-866-933-2023
Name / Description
Need to talk? Contact the CMHA
Phone Number
1 (844) 360-8055
Name / Description
Confidential Post-Secondary Student Helpline
Phone Number
1-866-925-5454
Assistance for Students
Assistance for Staff & Faculty

The Community Safety Office provides assistance to members of Huron University.  The Community Safety Office can help if:

  • you are experiencing stalking or harassment
  • you are being bullied, intimidated or threatened
  • you are in a controlling or abusive relationship
  • you are living with family violence
  • you have been sexually assaulted
  • you have any safety concerns

 

 

Community Safety acts as a consultant to Staff & Faculty regarding personal and/or community safety concerns.  A consultation may help you determine:

  • the level of risk associated with your safety concern
  • the need for intervention
  • the course (s) of action, or next steps, that you can take in response to your safety concern
  • the resources and support available to assist you or an individual you are concerned about 
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  • I am committed to providing a safe, welcoming campus for students, staff and faculty by providing confidential assistance to those who have personal safety concerns. Providing a safe and welcoming campus for students, staff and faculty is our top priority.
    Sarah Read
    Director, Community Safety
    Read More

Safety Tips

Safety is a priority at Huron at Western.  The safety tips listed below have been provided to help you plan for your personal safety, on or off-campus. Huron also offers Sexual Violence Prevention programming, as well as Personal Defence courses that deal with the more common occurrence of acquaintance-based violence.  

EAAA      WEN-DO

Please consider signing up for these programs! Everyone has the right to live, work and study in safety and we all share in the responsibility to make this possible! 

Reporting a Crime

Whether you are a victim of a crime or a witness to a crime, call the police to report the incident. If the crime is in progress and it is safe for you to do so, call the police immediately by dialing 911 in order to increase the chance of the suspect being apprehended.  When you call the police, it is important that you know the street name, address and name of the building where you are located and where you saw the incident.

•    Immediately go to a safe place and call the police at 911 (Fire, Medical, Police)
•    Provide a description of the incident and remain on the phone until the operator says it is okay.
•    If the incident occurred on-campus, call Campus Police at 519-661-3300.
•    Call your supervisor, if possible and inform them of the incident.
 

What if you see something suspicious?

Suspicious Behavior? People are not suspicious, behavior is! If you notice something suspicious happening on campus contact Campus Police.

Examples of suspicious behavior include:

•    Unusual noises, including: screaming, sounds of fighting, glass breaking, or illegal activity.
•    People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
•    Unauthorized personnel in restricted areas.
•    Persons abandoning parcels or other items in unusual locations (i.e. in the lobby or in the elevator)

Safety in University Buildings

Be aware of the emergency numbers.  Pre-program your cell phone!

•    Know where the nearest exits are located if you need to escape.
•    Make note of where emergency phones are located on campus *MAP FROM CAMPUS POLICE* 
•    Know where the nearest fire alarm is located.
•    If you are working alone, ensure that the exterior doors and/or your main office door is locked.
•    Don't bring valuables, jewelry or large amounts of money to school/work if you don't have to.
•    Lock your office door, even if you are leaving only for a few minutes.
•    If a tradesperson, repair person or courier requests admittance to your building, office or room, ask for identification. If you are not satisfied with the person's credentials, direct him or her to someone in authority for assistance.
•    If someone unknown requests entrance to your building, or attempts to enter a locked area with you, refuse them entry. Tell them, "I'm sorry, but we are very concerned about security in this building" or "If you will tell me whom you want to visit, I'll buzz them for you." If they persist, direct them to someone in authority. Report any unauthorized entry to your building security or to the University Police.
•    Be especially aware of maintaining security in your building during holiday or vacation periods, or during quiet times, when there are fewer people around.
•    Use the buddy system. If you are going to work late at night in a University building, try to locate yourself close to someone you know. Or, let someone else know where you are and when you expect to leave.

Safety in Parking Lots

•    When you know you will be returning to your car late at night, try to park it in a well lit area.
•    Contact Foot Patrol to walk you to your car at night.
•    Before getting into your car, visually check the interior.
•    Have your keys in your hand, so that you don’t have to search for them when you reach your car.
•    Try not to park on levels of a parking garage that will be empty when you return.
•    Know your nearest safe exit route from a garage.
•    Back your car into a parking stall in a garage. This gives you greater visibility and allows you to drive away more quickly if you are being approached by a stranger.
•    When you leave your car, walk briskly and confidently. Do not be distracted.
•    If you are worried about becoming a target, vary your routine. Park in different spots at different times.

While You Are Out

Be alert! - Being alert to what and who is around you is the best defence.  Walk with a self-assured stride, with your head up, and look around (persons who look strong and in control are less attractive targets).

•    Avoid wearing headphones or electronic devices that can distract you or limit what you can hear around you
•    Avoid walking alone on-campus at night. Walk with a friend or call Foot Patrol to escort you to where you are going
•    Avoid using short cuts or other routes that are less traveled and may obscure you from being seen by others.
•    Try to stay in well lit areas, and use routes that are frequently traveled by others.
•    Know where you are going - plan your route.
•    Have your keys or ID card ready in your hand. This prevents you having to fumble with your keys at the doors.
•    Be aware of what is going on around you. If you suspect you are being followed, indicate your suspicion by looking behind you. If you are on foot, cross the street, change directions or vary your speed. In a commercial or residential area, head for a place where there are other people as soon as possible
•    If someone is following you or you even think someone is following you, immediately run away and scream and shout to attract attention.  Go immediately to a phone and call Campus Police or 911.
•    When walking on or off campus, be conscious of the weather and dress and prepare accordingly.  Do not travel by foot unnecessarily during storms, especially if there is thunder and/or lightening

Make note of emergency phones and beacons:  *MAP FROM CAMPUS POLICE*


 

Alcohol Safety

Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and do not get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs

•    Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before you start drinking alcohol
•    Eat before you drink. Eating first will help you absorb alcohol less quickly
•    Use the “buddy system”—be with friends who will help you stick to your limits and keep you out of trouble if you start to lose your ability to make good decisions; do the same for your friends.
•    Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks to slow down the rate of your alcohol consumption
•    Plan your transportation, using an Uber, a designated driver or transit to and from your destination
•    Carry condoms.  Alcohol can loosen inhibitions so practicing safe sex can prevent unwanted pregnancy and a possible STI
•    Don’t let a stranger pour your drink or hand you one.
•    Avoid using alcohol with prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational drugs, especially sedatives (e.g., Xanax, Valium) and opiates (e.g., OxyContin, Heroin), which can result in serious health consequences, including death.
 

Bicycle Safety

In Ontario, bicycles are considered to be vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act and must therefore be ridden on roadways. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including traffic lights, stop signs, etc. To ensure you travel safely while bicycling in Ontario, follow these safety tips:

•    Always wear a helmet.
•    Ensure that your bicycle is in good mechanical order and safe to ride.
•    Ensure that your bicycle is equipped with a horn or a bell to ensure that pedestrians can hear you when approaching.
•    Cyclists must use hand signals to alert others when turning right, turning left or stopping.
•    Cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings and be able and willing to share the road with other vehicles.
•    Cyclists should ensure that they carry identification on them at all times.
•    Cyclists should carry a telephone for communication purposes in case of emergencies.
•    Cyclists should consider carrying a first aid kit.
•    Cyclists should always ensure that they are wearing reflective clothing for maximum visibility.
•    When cycling at night cyclists should always ensure that they have a light installed on the front of their bike including light reflectors on the front and back of the bike.
•    Ensure your bicycles are locked with a proper lock when not in use.

Theft Prevention

A theft of opportunity can be defined as a planned or unplanned theft of property (i.e. when personal items are left unguarded, this provides the opportunity).  High-value assets including small, portable items or electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets are the most sought-after items.

•    Do not leave your items unattended. This includes leaving your laptop on the desk in the library to search for a book, use the washroom, or take a quick call in the stairwell. The theft often goes unnoticed by others in the area as they only take a few seconds to commit.
•    Don't leave your property out of your view. Some items have gone missing with the owner present and not paying attention. Leave your items out of the view of others; if you are reading a book, leave your laptop in your backpack and on the desk where you will see anyone attempting to tamper with it or steal your items.
•    Don't assume that your friends or others around you will watch your property. If you must leave the area for any reason the best bet is to take your property with you.
•    Personalize your property. Add stickers, covers, engraving or other markings that will make it personal and less attractive to thieves due to lower resale value from personalization.
•    Use a cable lock attached to your laptop. Make sure that the cable is locked to something secure. You should also use security features such as passwords and encryption.

Gender-Based and Sexual Violence

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
Clearing browsing history
What is Consent?
Understanding Gender-Based and Sexual Violence 
Facts about gender-based and sexual violence

Resources:

ANOVA (24/7 support line for individuals who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence: 519.642.3000 or 1.800.265.1576

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital (SADVTC)

  • After Hours: 519.646.6100, press 0 and ask switchboard to page on-call, specialized nurse
  • SADVTC can provide medical and emotional support at hospital as well as follow up from a social worker

Huron Wellness Centre

  • Huron students are warmly welcomed to visit our Wellness Centre to seek support in achieving their best mental and emotional health. 
  • Our Wellness staff are here to provide non-judgmental counselling and resources that may be effective in alleviating and addressing challenges. 
  • Huron’s Wellness Centre is located on the pathway between Southwest Residence and Brough House Residence
  • To book an appointment, 519.438.7224 ext. 716 or email huronwellness@huron.uwo.ca

Community Safety

Contact the Director, Community Safety at Huron to confidentially discuss options available to survivors of sexual assault, co-create safety plans, and receive accommodations: 519-438-7224  ext 854; safety@huron.uwo.ca

London Police Service: 601 Dundas Street, London; 519-661-5670

Western’s Gender-based Violence & Survivor Support Case Manager, Western University: 519.551.3568 (non-emergency) or support@uwo.ca, Monday-Friday during business hours

Learn how to clear your browsing history if you’re worried someone will see that you visited any of these websites. Click here.

Understanding Consent.

Consent means a clear, enthusiastic, ongoing and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activities. Consent is informed, freely given and actively communicated by words, body language or other forms of communication. It is always the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to ensure they have consent.
It is also important to know that someone who is incapacitated (ie. by alcohol or drugs, asleep or unconscious) is not able to consent. If you are unsure how drunk or high someone is- don't initiate sexual activity - you risk causing harm.


 

Understanding Coercion and Boundaries

If your relationship involves sexual activity, it is important that you and your partner(s) understand consent. Sexual boundaries are about respecting your own limitations, as well as respecting the limits of your partner(s). When someone says ‘no’ it is important to listen and not take further action. People may communicate ‘no’ in different ways, so part of respecting someone’s boundary starts with really listening to words and also body language.
Learning about others needs and boundaries as well as your own is super important for a positive sexual experience. Recognizing your level of comfort with a sexual activity and the ability to have a conversation with your partner(s) about their boundaries is key. Pressuring someone to do what you want is coercion and can cause harm.

What is gender-based and sexual violence?

Any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature.  These acts may be committed or threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent.    

These acts include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual harassment, unwanted sexual comments or advances
  • Stalking
  • Indecent exposure
  • Voyeurism
  • Cyber harassment
  • Sexual exploitation, selling or attempting to sell someone for sex
  • Acts of violence directed against an individual because of their sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim
Community Safety - Sexual Violence Graphic

 

Facts about gender-based and sexual violence:

  • Rape is about power and control, not sex
  • There are no grey areas it’s never okay
  • Clothes are not a risk factor. What someone is wearing is never an indication of anything other than their fashion choice.
  • Uninvited touching and/or comments are never acceptable
  • Comments directed against a person’s sexuality can be a form of sexual harassment and violence and can have a negative impact on self-esteem and well-being. This is against the law
  • Just because someone buys you dinner or a drink, doesn't mean you owe them sex in return
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Myths about sexual assault

Society’s understanding of sexual violence can be influenced by misconceptions and false beliefs, commonly referred to as ‘rape myths’. Separating myths from facts is critical to stopping sexual violence.  Below are some of the commonly held myths, corrected with the corresponding facts.

Myth: Sexual assault can’t happen to me or anyone I know.

Fact: Sexual assault can and does happen to anyone. People of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds are victims of sexual assault. Young women, Aboriginal women and women with disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing sexual assault.

Myth: Sexual assault is most often committed by strangers.

Fact: Of sexual assaults where a charge was laid by police, the majority (87%) of victims knew their assailant; most commonly as a casual acquaintance, a family member, or an intimate partner.   Police-reported sexual assaults in Canada: A statistical profile

Myth: Sexual assault is most likely to happen outside in dark, dangerous places.

Fact: The majority of sexual assaults happen in private spaces like a residence or private home.

Myth: If a woman doesn’t report to the police, it wasn’t sexual assault.

Fact: Just because a victim doesn’t report the assault doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Canada wide, fewer than one in twenty victims reported the crime to the police in 2014. 

Myth: It’s not a big deal to have sex with a woman while she is drunk, stoned or passed out.

Fact: If a woman is unconscious or incapable of consenting due to the use of alcohol or drugs, she cannot legally give consent. Without consent, it is sexual assault.

Myth: If a woman didn’t scream or fight back, it probably wasn’t sexual assault.

Fact: When a woman is sexually assaulted, she may become paralyzed with fear and be unable to fight back. She may be fearful that if she struggles, the perpetrator will become more violent. If she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, she may be incapacitated or unable to resist.

Myth: If a woman isn’t crying or visibly upset, it probably wasn’t a serious sexual assault.

Fact: Every woman responds to the trauma of sexual assault differently. She may cry or she may be calm. She may be silent or very angry. Her behaviour is not an indicator of her experience. It is important not to judge a woman by how she responds to the assault.
 

Myth: If a woman does not have obvious physical injuries, like cuts or bruises, she probably was not sexually assaulted.

Fact: Lack of physical injury does not mean that a woman wasn’t sexually assaulted. An offender may use threats, weapons, or other coercive actions that do not leave physical marks. She may have been unconscious or been otherwise incapacitated.

Myth: If it really happened, the woman would be able to easily recount all the facts in the proper order.

Fact: Shock, fear, embarrassment and distress can all impair memory. Many survivors attempt to minimize or forget the details of the assault as a way of coping with trauma. Memory loss is common when alcohol and/or drugs are involved.

Myth: Women lie and make up stories about being sexually assaulted.

Fact: The number of false reports for sexual assault is very low, consistent with the number of false reports for other crimes in Canada. Sexual assault carries such a stigma that many women prefer not to report.
 

Myth: It wasn’t rape, so it wasn’t sexual violence.

Fact: Any unwanted sexual contact is considered to be sexual violence. A survivor can be severely affected by all forms of sexual violence, including unwanted fondling, rubbing, kissing, or other sexual acts. Many forms of sexual violence involve no physical contact, such as stalking or distributing intimate visual recordings. All of these acts are serious and can be damaging.

Myth: Women with disabilities don’t get sexually assaulted.

Fact: Women with disabilities are at a high risk of experiencing sexual violence or assault. Those who live with activity limitations are over three times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than those who are able-bodied.

Fact sheet about Sexual Assault
 

Myth: Husbands cannot sexually assault their wives.

Fact: Sexual assault can occur in a married or other intimate partner relationship.

Sexual Violence Statistics 

Who are the perpetrators?
Who are the survivors?
Reporting
Sexual assault on campus
  • Across Canada, 82 per cent of all sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the survivor knows.
  • In Quebec, in 98 per cent of reported cases, the perpetrator was male.
  • 70% of sexual assault survivors were assaulted in a private residence.

Source:

  • Statistics Canada, 2008
  • Government of Quebec, 2008 report, Statistiques sur les agressions sexuelles au Québec and the 2001 Action Plan for the setting up of governmental guidelines in the matters of sexual aggression
  • Statistics Canada – no. 85-002-XIF, Catalogue, VOl. 26, No. 3 (2006).
  • 1 in 3 women, 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.
  • Male survivors will most often have experienced sexual violence in childhood, rates are highest between age 3-14.
  • Women experience sexual violence throughout their lifespan, with high rates between the ages of 18-24.
  • High rates of sexual violence are also experienced by Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.


Source:

  • Statistics Canada, 2006
  • Statistics Canada, 2008

According to Statistics Canada’s 2004 General Social Survey (GSS):

  • About one in 10 sexual assaults is reported to police.
  • There were about 512,000 incidents of sexual assault, representing a rate of 1,977 incidents per 100,000 population aged 15 and older (2004 data).
  • Given that most sexual assaults go unreported, police-reported sexual assault counts are notably lower, with about 24,200 sexual offences recorded by police in 2007.
  • Survivor data indicate that most sexual assaults involved unwanted sexual touching (81%).
  • While few sexual assault survivors filed formal reports with police, most (72%) confided in friends and many turned to family (41%) and other informal sources of support.
  • Similar to survivors of other forms of violent crime, sexual assault survivors commonly experienced anger, confusion and frustration as a result of their assault. Click here for more information. 
  • Most sexual assaults happen in the first eight weeks of classes.
  • 50% of sexual violence cases on campus involved alcohol or other substances.
  • 15 to 25% of female students3, 6.1% of male students4, and 24% of transgender, genderqueer and questioning students5 in college and university experience some form of sexual assault.
  • Women who are the most vulnerable to sexual violence: women who are immigrants, visible minorities, Aboriginal and those who have a mental health condition or are disabled are 4 times at risk of sexual violence.

Source:

  • Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (2016), Le harcèlement et les violences à caractère sexuel dans le milieu universitaire, Rapport du Groupe de travail sur les politiques et procédures en matière de harcèlement et de violence sexuelle, p. 24
  • University of Ottawa (2015). Report of Working Group; ABBEY et al. (2001); Cited in Intervening against sexual violence, Resource Guide for Colleges and Universities in Ontario(2013); Report from the President’s Council (2013). Promoting a culture of safety, respect and consent at St. Mary’s University and beyond.
  • Developing a Response to Sexual Violence: A Resource Guide for Ontario’s Colleges and Universities, Ontario Women’s Directorate, 2013
  • Krebs, C.P., Lindquist, C.H., Warner, T.D., Fisher, B.S., & Martin, S.L. (2007). The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Cantor, D., Fisher, B., et al. (2015). Report on the AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. Rockville, Maryland: The Association of American Universities.
  • Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (2016), Le harcèlement et les violences à caractère sexuel dans le milieu universitaire, Rapport du Groupe de travail sur les politiques et procédures en matière de harcèlement et de violence sexuelle, p. 25
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Feeling Distressed? There's Help

Mental Health
Personal Safety
Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment

Are you in crisis?


For Students

Call Good2Talk.  Free, confidential helpline with professional counseling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.

27/7/365     

1.866.925.5454



For Staff or Faculty Members

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

1.877.433.1142
 

Are you in immediate danger? 


Call 911, then Campus Community Police (24/7/365; Campus Community Police can direct your call to the right service) 

Campus Community Police Service: 519.661.3300

London Police:  519.661.5670

Centre for International Experience Safety Abroad:  416.946.3929
 






 

Have you experienced sexual violence or sexual assault?

Visit a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence

Treatment Centre immediately for help with next steps, medical treatment, support, and the option to have a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit exam.

Services available 24/7/365

Sexual Assault Centre London, 255 Horton St E, London, ON N6B 1L1, 519.439.0844

 

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Huron Campus Map

 

Local Life

Where you choose to go to university is influenced by more than just what's available in your classrooms and on campus. You want to be a part of a vibrant school community that offers plenty of options for fun, while also being a safe place to live, study and play.

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  • All

  • South London

  • Downtown

  • North London

  • West London

  • East London

Key Contacts

Sarah Read

Director, Community Safety
519.438.7224 ext. 854
safetyhuron.uwo.ca
Wellness Centre

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.                  Monday - Friday