You are not alone
If you’ve experienced sexual or gender-based violence, we’re here to listen and help — confidentially and without judgment.
Creating a safer, more supportive campus
All university community members are encouraged to complete the 1-hour basic training on responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence.
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What is sexual and gender-based violence?
You may have an idea of what sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) looks like, but the truth is it can take on many different forms.
What is SGBV?
SGBV stands for sexual and gender-based violence. The University of Calgary’s SGBV policy defines it as “any violence, physical or psychological, that is committed, threatened or attempted against another individual without the individual’s consent by targeting an individual because of their sex, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation."
Who experiences SGBV?
Anyone can experience SGBV, but systemic oppression – such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism – puts some communities at a higher risk. SGBV is a serious public health issue. It causes physical, emotional, and psychological harm, and its impacts can ripple through families and communities for generations.
Building a culture of care
Everyone who has experienced these forms of violence deserve to be met with dignity, respect, and without discrimination – no matter their age, race, gender, or ability.
The Government of Alberta defines sexual violence as, “An act committed against someone's sexual integrity without that person’s freely given consent.”
According to Women and Gender Equality Canada, gender-based violence is committed against a person due to their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender; it is not limited to physical assault and can include jokes that demean the LGBTQ2S+ community. These forms of violence include sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, stalking, domestic and family violence, and degrading jokes. These acts are violations of human rights and bodily autonomy – and they are against the law.
Domestic and family violence involves patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour, including but not limited to: physical, psychological, verbal/emotional, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse, most often occurring within intimate or familial relationships.
You have the right to decide what feels best for you
Confidential help is available, whether or not you choose to file a report.
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The University of Calgary’s policy on sexual and gender-based violence
In June 2017, the University of Calgary implemented a stand-alone policy regarding sexual and gender-based violence. It was most recently updated in July 2025.
The aims of the policy are to:
- Affirm the university’s commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence
- Commit to providing supports to individuals affected by sexual and gender-based violence
- Nurture and promote a culture of consent and safety
- Enable appropriate handling of disclosures and formal reports related to sexual and gender-based violence
- Outline the processes by which the university will respond to disclosures and formal reports
I believe you
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Team
Supporting our community
If you have been affected by sexual and gender-based violence, we believe you and we are here for you. The university’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Office can connect you with services, inform you of your rights, help you think through options, or simply listen.
If someone has disclosed to you that they have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, the Office can offer education, coach you through ways to respond and support, and connect you with resources.
