Myths & Facts

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Myth: Sexual violence is rare.

Fact: As many as one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

Myth: Most sexual assaults are committed by a stranger in a dark alley.

Fact: 80% to 90% of victims know their offender, often a relative, friend, co-worker, acquaintance, or partner. Half of all sexual assaults experienced by university students occur on dates, and many within the first few months of the school year.

Myth: Sexual violence is about sex.

Fact: Sexual violence is about power and control.

Myth: Often sexual assaults are in the spur of the moment.

Fact: Most often sexual violence is premeditated and intentional.

Definitions & Policy

Policy

The University of Regina is committed to supporting the well-being of all members of our community. Sexual violence and misconduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The U of R sexual violence policy makes a commitment to addressing sexual violence and misconduct. Read policy.

Definitions

Consent

The active, ongoing, informed and voluntary agreement to engage in physical contact or sexual activity.

There is no consent when someone says or does something to show they are not consenting to an activity, including but not limited to, pushing away, silence, giving in, not removing one's own clothing.
Consent cannot be coerced through harassment, manipulation, threats, or abuse of power.
A person is unable to give consent when they are impaired and under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Impaired judgement that leads a person to think or believe there was consent is not an excuse for sexual violence/misconduct.
A person is incapable of giving consent if they are asleep, unconscious, drugged, or otherwise unable to communicate.
The fact that consent to a sexual relationship was given in the past does not mean that consent is deemed to exist for all future sexual activity.
Consent cannot be assumed within the context of relationships, including dating or marriage.
A person can withdraw consent at any time during the course of a sexual encounter therefore consent must be on-going.
A person in a state of diminished judgement cannot consent.

Disclosure

Sharing of information pertaining to an incident of sexual violence/misconduct. A disclosure does not automatically constitute a report with a subsequent investigation.

Report or Complaint

A formal written or verbal statement accounting an incident of sexual violence/misconduct which initiates an investigation.