Gender-based & sexual violence
If an act of violence is in progress or has just happened, priority number one is to make sure you are safe.
Call 911 if you need immediate help. If you are on NAIT property, you should then call Protective Services once you are safe to do so at 780.471.7477, or by using the “Emergency Contacts” button on the NAIT Alert mobile app.
Creating a safe, supportive community
Gender-based and sexual violence can happen anywhere, including NAIT. Together we can create a safe, supportive community free from gender-based and sexual violence. NAIT’s Gender Based and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response policy (PDF 284 KB) applies to anyone on a NAIT property or an online learning, working or social environment.
What is gender-based and sexual violence?
Gender-based and sexual violence includes any form of violence that targets someone based on their sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. It includes the following:
Take action, get confidential support
We are here to support you. If you have experienced gender-based or sexual violence, you can ask for guidance, advice or support without sharing details – it is completely up to you how you want NAIT to respond.
Make a disclosure
If you have experienced an act of gender-based and sexual violence, but are not in immediate need of help, you can make a disclosure to someone you trust at NAIT. You may choose to disclose to access support, seek information about the options available, or simply talk to someone who cares.
Staff with experience receiving disclosures are available at the Student Resolution Office or Student Counselling.
Making a disclosure does not mean you have to report a complaint. For further information, refer to NAIT’s Gender Based and Sexual Violence Disclosure and Supports Procedure, which outlines disclosures and privacy rights of survivors.
Report a complaint
A complaint is a formal allegation of gender-based and sexual violence in a NAIT learning, working, or social environment, such as on a NAIT campus or in an online class. Complaints can be initiated by contacting the Student Resolution Office.
NAIT respects your privacy. Guided by our Gender Based and Sexual Violence Complaints Procedure, NAIT will ensure that we respond with confidentiality and will only share information with those who need to investigate, determine risk or provide further support.
Access counselling
If you are a current student, you can access confidential support with a registered, skilled professional through Student Counselling and Chaplaincy services. Log into the MyNAIT Student Portal to book an appointment.
Log in to MyNAIT Portal
If you are not a current student, you may access confidential support through the external resources listed below.
Seek accommodations
Students who have experienced gender-based or sexual violence have the right to seek accommodations. An accommodation may include an exception or change to a rule, approach, or environment, such as an extension to an assignment or a change to a schedule or class.
Contact NAITSA Peer Support, Student Resolution Office or Student Counselling to find out about the options available.
Receive disclosures
We can all help support those who come to us to disclose information related to gender-based and sexual violence. You do not need to be an expert to provide helpful, appropriate support. Here are some steps you can take when receiving disclosures from staff or students: Receiving disclosures of gender-based and sexual violence (PDF 219 KB).
Student Resolution Office
The Student Resolution Office provides support in navigating matters of conflict and fairness at NAIT. Current students can email resolutions@nait.ca.
NAITSA Peer Support
NAITSA Peer Support is an anonymous and confidential supportive listening service for students, by students. Delivered on a walk-in basis located in J209B on NAIT Main Campus, as well as LiveChat.
The Distress Line – 780.482.HELP (4357) or call 211.
If risk is immediate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
External resources
Edmonton Police Service (EPS)
For emergency situations, call 911.
Non-emergency reporting:
Edmonton Police Service has a non-emergency department, which you would call after the incident has taken place. Police officers have special training to support sexual violence survivors.
Call: 780.423.4567
Text: #377
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE)
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton is a feminist-based not-for-profit charitable organization that supports children, adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual abuse or assault, and educates the public about sexual violence.
780.423.4121
(24 hour sexual assault crisis line)
780.423.4102
info@sace.ab.ca
Alberta Health Services
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides sexual assault examinations by female registered nurses who are educated in sexual assault examinations and care.
Select emergency rooms – please see the hospital website for more details.
Alberta Government: Sexual violence support
Related courses
It takes all of us: Creating a campus free from sexual violence
This training will support NAIT students in understanding and practicing consent, responding to disclosures and creating a culture of consent and support on campus. It connects students to key campus and community resources and provides an important opportunity for participants to examine their own attitudes and beliefs about sexual violence. The course is delivered in 4 modules.
Enrol now