Get support
How we can help
You do not have to go to the hospital or make a police report to use our services.
→ Help you find a safe place to stay
→ Arrange academic concessions e.g., extensions
→ Coordinate workplace accommodation e.g., arranging leave
→ Explain your reporting options
Have you experienced sexualized violence?
Your safety and health come first
If you’ve been assaulted within the last seven days, there is a special team of nurses and doctors at the hospital who can help you. To learn more about this option click here.
Here are 6 possible options to consider:
1. It is not your fault
It is common to blame ourselves for what happened or tell ourselves to get over it and forget it never happened.
But it is not your fault. And sometimes, we need to tell ourselves that first.
2. Your safety
How safe do you feel right now? If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or UBCO Security at 250 807 8111.
You can call SVPRO at 250 807 9640 and we can help you find a safe place.
3. Access health care
You may want to get medical attention for the prevention of STIs and pregnancy. You may also want to document the violence if you choose to report it to the police.
4. Share with someone
Consider talking with someone you trust, a friend, an instructor, or a colleague, or come visit us at SVPRO. It is never easy to tell someone. Let them know what you need.
5. Get support
Contact our SVPRO’s support team. We are here to listen to and support you. You have the right to choose what happens next. We can help you explore your options and will support your decision, whatever you decide.
Tel 250 807 9640
Email svpro.okanagan@ubc.ca
6. Want to report?
There are several reporting options available to you. We can explain all your options so that you can make an informed decision. See Reporting Options for more details.
You do not have to go to the hospital or make a police report to get help from SVPRO.
Call us at 250 807 9640 to explore your options.
Helping others
Sexualized violence can happen to anyone. Survivors are more likely to share an experience of sexualized violence (this is a disclosure) with someone they know and trust. Survivors have the right to make their own decisions. Support the choices they make, whatever they decide. You don’t need to be a counsellor to offer support.
1. Recognize a disclosure
A person may share information with you about an incident of sexual violence, though they may not use this language. This is a disclosure.
2. Respond with empathy
Believe the person who has disclosed to you. Assure them what happened was not their fault. Ask how you can best support them. You can share the options (Steps 1-6) above to help the survivor decide their next steps, if any. Do not ask invasive questions about what happened. Keep the disclosure private unless they have asked you to reach out to someone on their behalf.
3. Refer them to SVPRO
Offer to help connect the person to SVPRO for emotional support and to learn about resources and options. Having access to knowledgeable support can mitigate anxiety often experienced by people who have been harmed. You may also reach out as a person supporting someone else. Our consultations are completely confidential.
If you don’t know what to do
Call us at 250 807 9640 to explore your options.