Sexual Violence Response & Support
Cape Breton University is committed to creating an environment that is free from sexual violence (actual or threatened), abuse, aggression and harassment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
If this is an emergency, please call the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 or dial 911.
The Cape Breton University Sexual Violence Policy & Guidelines are intended to outline commitments to raise awareness and educate on sexual violence, to prevent sexual violence, to reduce the risk of sexual violence incidents, to promote a consent culture and to respond to the needs in our community for support and empowerment.
This policy confirms Cape Breton University’s position on sexual violence and the guidelines to be followed in the case of disclosure or complaint from any student, for any incident occurring on or off campus by a member of the University community.
Please refer to Cape Breton University’s Sexual Violence Policy & Guidelines for options on response and support.
Sexual Violence Policy & Guidelines
Responding to Reports of Sexual Assault
If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre is here to support you if you have been the victim of sexual assault or violence. From filing a complaint, to physical exams, professional counselling and medical support, you are not alone. This is not your fault and we encourage you to talk to someone you trust. We also encourage you to seek medical attention, even if you feel you have no obvious injuries.
If the assault happened on Cape Breton University’s campus, you should report it to Campus Security who will inform a member of the Cape Breton University’s Crisis Response Team. If you wish to report the assault, call 911 or the Cape Breton Regional Police Service as soon as possible.
Resources and Support
Internal Resources
Campus Security
(902) 578-2316
24 hours/day – 7 days/week
Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre
(902) 563-1359
Manager, Security Services
(902) 565-5328
Human Rights and Diversity Officer
(902) 574-2350
External Resources
SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program
Cape Breton Regional Hospital
24 hour response line: 1-844-858-8036
Cape Breton Transition House Crisis/Support Line
(902) 539-2945 or toll free line 1-800-563-2945
24 hours/day – 7 days/week
Willow House Outreach Sexual Assault Program Support Line
(902) 270-5167 or 1-844-314-5167
24 hours/day – 7 days/week
For immediate, medical and emotional support, call the Mental Health Mobile Crisis Unit
(902) 429-8167 or toll-free 1-888-429-8167 or proceed to the emergency department of your local hospital.
In Sydney, the Emergency Department is located at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital
1482, George Street
Sydney, NS B1P 1P3
24 hours/day – 7 days/week
For help finding local resources or to talk with a counselor call 211 available 24/7
To speak with a registered nurse call 811 available 24/7
Cape Breton Regional Police Service
(902) 563-5151
What is Consent?
The Criminal Code of Canada defines consent as the voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.
Consent must be an active process, without the influence of coercion. One should never assume consent.
Consent is an active agreement
- It is not possible to give consent while impaired by substances
- Consent is not the absence of “no” or silence
- Consenting to one sexual activity, does not mean that someone consents to other sexual activities
- Consent is not possible if an individual uses their position of power or authority to manipulate someone into saying “yes”
