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Sexual Violence Support


All members of the Holland College community have the right to learn, work and live in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence. 

If you have been sexually assaulted or someone has confided in you that they have been assaulted, support is available. 

Choosing to report an assault, either formally or informally, is a deeply personal decision. This page is designed to give students clear, easy access to information about supports, resources and reporting options so they can make the choice that feels right for them.

If you have been sexually assaulted


If you have been sexually assaulted recently, the first thing you need to know it that you are not alone. There are people here at the college and in the community to help you.

Who you talk to informally is your choice. You may choose to tell a Holland College staff member or counsellor just for support; this does not mean that you have to report it to police or press criminal charges.

For immediate help, you have the following options:

  • Call 911
  • Call Student Wellness at 1-833-549-3281
  • Visit the nearest hospital emergency room
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Support Line (24/7): 1-877-392-7583

If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted


If someone confides in you that they have been sexually assaulted recently, it is important to be supportive and attentive. Understand that disclosing an assault can be traumatic, and an individual's ability to recall the events may be limited. Respect their choices as to what and how much they disclose about their experience and make every effort to respect confidentiality and anonymity.

The following responses are appropriate:

  • listen without judgment and accept the disclosure as true;
  • tell them that sexual violence is never the fault of the person who was assaulted;
  • help them find on- or off-campus services, including emergency medical care and counselling;
  • respect their right to choose the services they feel are most appropriate and to decide whether to report to the police and/or college staff;

Once you have listened, refer your friend to any of the resources provided.

Resources

Accessing support does not require you to make a formal report to the police. The following services can help you navigate the support and resources available to you.

  • Counselling Services
    Free, confidential counselling is available to all Holland College students. Book an appointment.
    You can speak to our counsellors about anything at all, and they can help you identify the supports and resources available to you.
     
  • Holland College Health Clinic
    If you would like to connect with medical personnel because you are concerned for your personal health and would like advice on what to do at this point, please make an appointment at the nearest campus Health Clinic by calling 902-566-9392 or email npclinic@hollandcollege.com.
    College Health Clinics are only open Monday-Friday. For emergency assistance, please visit your nearest hospital or call 911. 

    Please note:
    A scheduled appointment is not required for testing of sexually transmitted infection, pregnancy, or urinary tract infection. These tests should be done as soon as possible.

  • Student Association of Holland College
    Your student association has representatives who can work with you and support you by connecting you with the right resources. Call 902-566-9630.

  • Student Wellness Program
    You can access 24/7 free and confidential counselling support via the Student Wellness Program. Call 1-833-549-3281 or visit the website

 

You will find useful and supporting information on the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Center website.

  • PEI Family Violence Prevention Services 
    A place of safety for women and children who are victims of abuse, educates the public about the issues of violence against women and family violence, and advocates for the needs of abused women and children.
  • Rise 
    free legal resources and support to people who have experienced sexual violence, workplace sexual harassment, or intimate partner violence.
  • 211 PEI: 
    Information about support and resources in PEI.
  • Victim Services 
    assists victims of crime throughout their involvement in the criminal justice system. Assistance is available to victims of crime anywhere on Prince Edward Island. If you live off-Island and are victimized by a crime that occurred on PEI, you are also eligible for services.
  • National Sexual Assault Support Line (24/7) 1-877-392-7583.
  • Kids' Help Phone (also for youth) 1-800-668-6868 Text: 686868
  • Native Youth Crisis Hotline 1-877-209-1266 
  • NeedHelpNow.ca includes support to remove sexual pictures or videos, deal with cyberbullying, and ways to support friends.