Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Sexual Violence, Assault & Harassment

A view of the SLC stairs leading from the main floor to the library.

Each and every TMU community member plays a role in contributing to and fostering a welcoming and secure campus environment.

TMU is committed to addressing sexual violence in all forms in our community. According to the university’s Sexual Violence Policy, sexual violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault is defined in the following ways:

Term

Definition

Sexual violence

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

Sexual harassment

Someone who knowingly engages in sexually-related conduct that causes a person to reasonably fear for their safety or the safety of someone they know. This includes repeated communication, or persistently watching someone where they live, work or play.

Sexual assault

A sexual assault is when someone applies force in a sexual manner (or attempts or threatens to apply force) to another person without their consent.

If you have been subjected to sexual violence, harassment or assault at anytime and require support 

First, know that you are not alone.

Resources for students

Consent Comes First provides free, confidential, trauma-informed, healing-centred support to Toronto Metropolitan University students affected by sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, whether the incident occurred on or off campus. We offer resources, advocacy, academic support, and information about reporting options (on and off campus). Contact us to learn more at osvse@torontomu.ca.

Resources for employees

Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to Workplace Wellbeing Services, who provides TMU employees with trauma informed support for TMU staff and faculty affected by sexual violence and other forms of gender based violence.

To contact the team, email wws@torontomu.ca.

If you have witnessed or experienced discrimination, harassment or sexual violence at TMU

If you have witnessed or experienced discrimination, harassment or sexual violence at TMU, you can report the incident to Human Rights Services. The office offers free and confidential complaint resolution services for matters that fall under the Discrimination and Harassment Policy or Sexual Violence Policy. 

Human Rights Services
Phone: 416-979-5349
Email: humanrights@torontomu.ca

The Human Rights Services team will meet with you to provide you with information about your rights, gather information about your complaint and answer your questions. Learn more on the Human Rights Services website.

If you are experiencing mental health related concerns, like feeling anxious, stressed out or depressed

Students

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) offers free and confidential counselling services to address a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, grief, relationship concerns, shyness, worry, family conflicts, sexual identity, substance use, eating disorders and trauma. Services can be provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group format.

Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC)
Phone: 416-979-5195
Email: csdc@torontomu.ca

Staff and faculty

TMU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) (external link)  is a free, confidential counselling and information service to support your health and wellbeing. Administered by TELUS Health, EFAP services and resources are available to you and your family members who are also covered by your benefits. EFAP can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

EFAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate, confidential help:

If you have experienced or have been affected by sexual violence, harassment or assault and would like support from TMU Security

TMU Security and Emergency Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you contact our team, we will follow your lead and support you in whatever next steps you would like to take. This can include:

  • with your safety as our top priority, helping you get the medical attention you need and want; and
  • directing you to the resources on campus (e.g., Consent Comes First and/or Human Rights Services, etc.), who can provide additional guidance and support, including helping you file a complaint.
  • assisting with connecting with police if you wish to file a report

We will also take measures to protect the TMU community and general public if their safety is of concern, as required.

Questions?

If you have any questions, contact a member of our team at TMU Toronto Campus Security at 416-979-5040 or security@torontomu.ca or TMU Brampton Campus Security at 416-598-5950 or somsecurity@torontomu.ca.