Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response
Current Students
You are not alone
The Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response office delivers educational opportunities to members of the TRU community, supports the ongoing implementation of BRD 25-0 and provides direct support to victims/survivors of sexualized and intimate partner violence.
Contact us
Phone: 250-828-5023
Email: svpr@tru.ca
Location: Old Main room 1486
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
Support is available
Support is available to all TRU faculty, staff, and students, inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations. We operate as a hybrid office, offering both in-person and virtual appointments for members of the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses as well as online learners. During appointments you are also welcome to bring a support person to any meeting. Whether the experience is historical or recent, a wide variety of supports are available:
- Support through reporting processes if desired
- Connection to campus and community resources
- Support to those providing care to victim/survivors
- Emotional support and safety planning
- Academic accommodations and emergency housing
- Information about reporting options
Disclosure
Notify SVPR of a disclosure. Please note: Policy BRD 25-0 requires all faculty and staff who receive a disclosure to notify SVPR staff. This allows SVPR staff to support victims/survivors as well as members of the TRU community who are providing care and response to those victims/survivors, and to collect relevant data on the issue.
Safer Campuses for Everyone
In this training, you’ll learn about the meaning and impact of sexual violence as well as examine some of the reasons why sexual violence happens. You will learn about the importance of consent in all relationships and how to intervene to prevent sexual violence. You’ll also learn about how to find support for yourself or how to support someone else who has experienced sexual violence. Students can self-enroll in the class, and the enrollment key is: SVPR. Read more...
Healing Comes in Waves is a podcast series, created by Toronto Metropolitan University, Consent Comes First, Consent Action Team, and Vocal Fry Studios. This series captures conversations with survivors, counsellors, educators, and advocates to discuss healing after harm related to sexualized violence. Read more...
Get Help
Reaching out for help is an important step to take.
Please take the time you need to explore your options for support on and off-campus.
What to do if you’ve been assaulted?
- Go somewhere safe. If you are still in danger or you are concerned that you might still be in danger, or if you need urgent medical attention, call 911.
- Security is available on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached at 250-828-5033, OR by pressing the btn m-1 rounded full-widths on one of the blue Emergency posts on campus.
- Y Women's Shelter can provide 24 hour phone support, including safety planning. They can be reached at 250-374-6162, or by text at 250-682-7931.
- Consider seeking medical attention at Royal Inland Hospital, TRU Medical Clinic or one of the urgent care clinics. Even if you don’t think that you’ve been physically injured, it may be beneficial to access medical services for STI testing and/or reproductive health concerns. The hospital can also collect physical evidence, in the event that you choose to formally report the assault in the future. Evidence is best collected within 72 hours of the assault, but can still be gathered up to 7 days afterwards. The Kamloops Sexual Assault Crisis Response can also provide support and information at the hospital.
- Consider making a report to RCMP, TRU or an anonymous third party report with the Sexual Assault Counseling Center. You can also contact Community-based Victim Services at the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counseling Center, or the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager if you would like to speak with someone in person about your decision to report (or not report). The decision to report or not report can be complex, and you deserve to make it with as much information as possible. Please see the Reporting Options resource found below for more information.
- Consider connecting with a support that feels safe and trusted. Please refer to the Supports section to learn more about services available on and off-campus.
Safety Planning
If you are in immediate DANGER or fear for your safety, please CALL 911. If you are not in immediate danger, call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 for information about services that are available throughout BC.
The Ending Violence Association of BC has created a number of resources around addressing your personal safety.
We have created a Safety Planning Resource that’s specific to your time on campus.
The Kamloops Y Women’s Emergency Shelter operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can provide support over the phone and in person on a variety of issues including safety planning, emotional support and information about resources and referrals.
On-Campus Supports
Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager
The Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager (SVPRM) can offer:
- emotional support
- safety planning
- connections to additional resources
- academic and housing accommodations
- information about reporting options
The SVPRM can also provide information on reporting options, and support through reporting processes.
TRU recognizes that experiences of violence will be shaped by many factors such as sex, ancestry, race, ethnicity, language, ability, faith, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The SVPRM is available to support anyone on campus who has experienced violence, including staff and faculty. Those seeking support are welcome to bring someone to their appointment. If there are specific things that would make reaching out and accessing support easier for you or someone you know, please contact the SVPRM by emailing svpr@tru.ca, calling 250-828-5023, or dropping by the SVPR office in OM 1486.
*Confidentiality: If the SVPRM has reason to believe that you or someone else is at imminent risk of being harmed, they are legally required to report this information.
TRU Counselling Department
Free personal, career and crisis counselling for all TRU students.
- tru.ca/counselling
- OM 1631
- 250-828-5023
TRU Health Services
Medical services for all TRU students and employees.
- tru.ca/services/wellness/clinic
- OM 1463
- 250-828-5126
TRU Wellness Centre
One-to-one holistic health consultations and health information. Student peer support is offered through the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT).
- tru.ca/wellness
- OM 1479
- 250-828-5010
Campus Security
Security is on campus 24/7 and can provide accompaniment to students through their SafeWalk services.
- The security office is located on the first floor of the Old Main Building (student Street).
- On-duty security staff can be contacted by calling 250-828-5033; Local 5033.
Off-Campus Supports
Kamloops Sexual Assault and Counselling Centre
Free, confidential, client-centred services to victims of sexualized assault, child sexualized abuse, domestic violence and sexualized harassment.
- www.ksacc.ca
- 1-888-974-7278
- 694 Seymour St.
- ksacc@ksacc.ca
Royal Inland Hospital
After an assault, victims/survivors may consider accessing Emergency Room services at the hospital to receive immediate medical attention related to injuries, sexually transmitted infections or reproductive health support. Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Center can provide support to those accessing the hospital through the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Victim/survivors can request SART’s support through hospital staff.
- Royal Inland Hospital
- 311 Columbia St.
- 250-374-5111
Kamloops RCMP Detachment
Please see our Reporting options page for more information regarding reporting to RCMP.
- Kamloops RCMP
- 560 Battle St.
- 250-828-3000 to speak to an officer
RCMP can also provide victim services to individuals who have experienced sexualized or domestic violence. RCMP-based victim services are separate from KSACC's community-based victim services and are bound by different limitations regarding confidentiality.
- RCMP Victim Assistance
- 560 Battle Street
- 250-828-3223 to speak to a victim services worker
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Center’s SART team will provide immediate support, information and advocacy to individuals who have been sexually assaulted within the past seven days. Specially trained volunteers are on-call Friday at 4:30 p.m. to Monday at 8:30 a.m. SART’s support is available at Royal Inland Hospital to victims/survivors who request their services.
Y Women’s Emergency Shelter
Short term crisis support to women and children experiencing violence or at risk of experiencing violence. Staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in person or by phone or text. Individuals do not need to stay at the shelter in order to access support.
- Y Women's Emergency Shelter
- Phone: 250-374-6162
- Text: 250-682-7931
Stopping the Violence Outreach Services
Mobile support for those experiencing violence or at risk of experiencing violence. The STV Outreach worker can provide support, information, connection to resources and accompaniment to support or court-related activities.
- Y Women's Emergency Shelter
- Phone: 250-320-3110
- Text: 250-320-3110
VictimLinkBC
VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-563-0808. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.
VictimLinkBC provides service in more than 110 languages, including 17 North American Aboriginal languages. In 2014-2015, VictimLinkBC assisted more than 12,000 people.
VictimLinkBC is TTY accessible. Call TTY at 604-875-0885; to call collect, please call the Telus Relay Service at 711. Text to 604-836-6381. Email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca
- VictimLinkBC
- Phone: 1-800-563-0808
- Text: 604-836-6381
Public Health Youth Clinic
Sexual and reproductive health
- Options for Sexual Health
- 519 Columbia Street
- 250-851-7300
EQ Virtual
An online clinic for those with BC medical coverage. Create an online account for quick access to a doctor for a range of physical and mental health concerns.
- EQ Virtual
- Clinic Hours: Mo-Fr 8am-8pm | Sa-Su and Holidays 9am-5pm PST
- 1-888-547-5575
24-hour Crisis and Information Line (WAVAW)
Immediate, toll-free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
“Calls are answered by empathetic and skilled support workers. Crisis Line support workers are there to listen, to provide non-judgmental support and, if needed, to provide information on available WAVAW services or referrals to other community programs and organizations.”
- 1-877-392-7583
- Crisis and information line
Trans Lifeline
“Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led…organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Our vision is to fight the epidemic of trans suicide and improve overall life-outcomes of trans people by facilitating justice-oriented, collective community aid.”
- Hotline: available 7 a.m.-1 a.m. PST
- 1-877-330-6366
- Trans Lifeline
Get Checked Online
Get checked for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C without needing to see a doctor first. Visit Get Checked Online to create an account and locate the lab in Kamloops. Use the code ‘Kamloops’ when creating an account.
If your results come back positive, it is encouraged to see a doctor after that.
Reporting
Learn more about reporting optionsInformation for staff & faculty
Additional resources for Faculty & Staff who have experienced violence
The Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager (SVPRM) is available to support staff and faculty navigating an experience of sexualized violence. The SVPRM can support you through formal processes with the RCMP or TRU and may be able to provide accompaniment to off-campus resources. Support is available regardless of whether victims/survivors would like to make a formal report of their experience. The SVPRM can help victims/survivors get connected to resources in the community, including counselling services through the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counseling Center or private practice therapists.
Victims/survivors may be eligible to receive Crime Victim Assistance funding that could be used towards counselling services. Find out more about Crime Victim Assistance funding. Victims/survivors do not require RCMP involvement or legal proceedings to be eligible for this funding.
Did you know that you may be eligible to take leave if you have experienced domestic or sexualized violence? See more information on the government's Leave Respecting Domestic or Sexual Violence webpage.
TRU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program provided through Lifeworks is a confidential counselling service for employees and their families. You can learn more at OneTRU.
Depending on your employment agreement, you may have access to additional health benefits or leaves of absence. These can be clarified by visiting HR's OneTRU site, connecting with a member of the HR team, or speaking with a union representative.
Ways to support students
Things Teaching Faculty can do:
- Build space and opportunities for learning into your classes
- Incorporate our “Policy, Definition, and Supports” slides at the beginning and/or middle of your course material
- Include information about the policy and supports in your course outline
- Help promote the online Moodle Introduction course
- Offer bonus marks for attending SV programming – connect with us to learn about what’s going on in a semester and have students write a reflection
- If you receive a disclosure, listen to what the survivor is asking for and be creative in meeting that need without compromising the learning outcomes of the course. Provide flexibility for students as much as possible. Some things you can consider offering survivors include:
- Extensions on assignments, quizzes, midterms, etc.
- Re-weighting of course components
- Flexible participation marks or allowance for missed classes
- Alternative ways to get course material – ie class slides shared, asking for someone to share notes
- Alternative ways to complete assignments – eg paper rather than an oral presentation
- Additional time on quizzes, tests or exams
- A Deferral grade which gives students up to 6 weeks extra to finish a course, based on an agreement between the instructor and student
- If the perpetrator is in the same class as the survivor and you teach more than one section of the class, offer to switch the survivor to the other section
- If the perpetrator is in the same class as the survivor, ensure they are not in the same small groups for assignments or discussions
- Information on the Withdrawal in Extenuating Circumstances process. This can be facilitated by the SVPRM or Student Case Managers as well
- Things we are not always able to do
- Move a perpetrator out of a class or mandate education, counselling, etc. This is only possible with a formal investigation by the university. If we do this without going through a process, it gives the perpetrator leverage to engage other legal action, which in turn can put the survivor in a legal process that can cause further harm.
- Things you’re not expected to do
- Be an expert in trauma or sexualized violence.
- Fix it or confront the perpetrator – while sometimes this urge comes from the best places, it can compromise the safety and autonomy of the survivor.
- Compromise the learning outcomes of the course. Especially when courses act as pre-requisites, this can seem helpful at the moment but likely won’t be in the long-term
- View more information about Academic Accommodations in the classroom
Training & events Education and Prevention
In Person Training
Responding to Disclosures (for Faculty/Staff)
As per policy BRD 25-0, all TRU employees are required to engage in Responding to Disclosures training. Over the course of this 90-minute session participants will be given an overview of TRU’s policy, define sexualized violence and its various forms, and explore the importance of social responses, the barriers to disclosing and challenges in receiving disclosures. Lastly, participants will learn the three steps to receiving disclosures and resources available on and off campus.
This session is 90 minutes long. To request this training, please contact svpr@tru.ca. Please note, SVPR also offers self-paced online training in responding to disclosures, see below.
Tools For Change (for students)
Over the course of this six-hour training, students will:
- be given an overview of TRU’s policy and SVPR services
- define sexualized violence and its various forms,
- explore the concept of consent and learn the basic skills to navigate conversations and interactions that require it
- explore the barriers to bystander intervening,
- identify and practice the key strategies of bystander intervention
This training can be delivered in a single day, in 2 three-hour sessions or 3 two-hour sessions.
This training is currently mandatory for all Residence Advisors, Student Wellness Ambassadors, first year Adventure students and first-year Engineering students. Students in leadership and Ambassador roles are also given the opportunity to take this training in late August of every year.
*SVPR staff can also deliver portions of this training according to topic. For example, in 90 minutes, staff may be able to review TRU’s policy and supports as well as the topic of consent.
To request this training or explore different options for the use of this content, please contact svpr@tru.ca.
Online Training
Responding to Disclosures (for Faculty/Staff)
As per policy BRD 25-0, all TRU employees are required to engage in Responding to Disclosures training. A 60 minute online, self-paced training for all TRU employees is available through Deltek. “Responding to Disclosures at TRU: Mandatory Training” is accessed via the Learning tab. Search “Responding to Disclosures” to pull up and launch the training.
Safer Campuses for Everyone
In this Moodle-based training, you’ll learn about the meaning and impact of sexual violence as well as examine some of the reasons why sexual violence happens. You will learn about the importance of consent in all relationships and how to intervene to prevent sexual violence. You’ll also learn about how to find support for yourself or how to support someone else who has experienced sexual violence. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end.
Students can self-enroll in the class via Moodle.
Enrollment key: SVPR
*SVPR staff are also available to provide a one hour debrief of this training for any student teams, clubs or classes who take Safer Campuses for Everyone.
Technology-Facilitated Sexualized Violence
In this Moodle-based training, you’ll learn about the meaning and impact of technology-facilitated sexualized violence, as well as examining some of the reasons why it happens. You’ll also learn how to respond if you experience, witness, or receive a disclosure about technology-facilitated sexualized violence. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end.
Students can self-enroll in the class via Moodle.
Enrollment key: TFSV
Communication, Healthy Relationships, and Consent
In this Moodle-based course, you’ll explore some of the foundational learnings associated with healthy communication, relationships and consent.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end.
Students can self-enroll in the class via Moodle.
Enrollment key: COMM
Events, Campaigns and Collaborative Projects
SVPR has collaborated with campus and community stakeholders on a variety of campaigns, events and grants over the 6 years, some of which include Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Center, Y Women’s Emergency Shelter, Kamloops Immigrant Services, TRU Volleyball, the TRUFA Gender Equity Committee, TRU Trades and Technology, the Wellness Center and the TRU Student Union. Previous years’ work have focused on opportunities to tailor educational and supportive programming to specific communities, and raising awareness about the issue of sexualized violence and intimate partner violence. Yearly campaigns include The Red Zone, 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness month.
If you would like to collaborate on an event, campaign or project, please contact spvr@tru.ca
Share feedback
Do you have feedback or ideas about sexualized violence education and prevention activities on campus? This fall, Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) is piloting an anonymous feedback service. SVPR staff and the Director of Student Affairs will use the feedback to inform future content and activities.
This form is not intended for disclosing experiences of violence. Because responses are anonymous, staff cannot follow up directly. For support or to discuss your feedback, contact svpr@tru.ca or Cassie Greenough, Director, at cgreenough@tru.ca.
Share your feedbackMeet our team
Amber Huva
Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Manager
(Education and Prevention)
Student ambassadors
Become a SVPR student ambassador
Are you passionate about the issue of sexualized violence on post-secondary campuses? Do you believe that everyone has role to play in creating a safer community? Do you have experience in public education and outreach? You might be just what we need at TRU, as one of SVPR's Student Ambassadors.
Learn more

