Employees who have experienced sexual violence

University of Saskatchewan employees (faculty or staff) who have experienced sexual violence can receive support through the Employment Family Assistance Plan (EFAP). The EFAP program provides faculty, staff, and eligible family members free access to confidential services and resources to support a healthy mind, body, and life.

Access EFAP resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Employment Family Assistance Plan

A person who has experienced sexual assault is encouraged to seek medical attention as soon after the incident as possible. A forensic examination is done to collect medical evidence within 72 hours of a sexual violent incident. If you do not require a forensic examination you can seek medical attention (testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy prevention) from a doctor, walk-in clinic, or the Student Wellness Centre.

Forensic exams are available at all Saskatoon hospitals. For listings of Saskatchewan hospitals, visit the Saskatchewan Health Authority website. 

• City Hospital Emergency Department (limited emergency hours) -701 Queen Street
• Royal University Hospital Emergency Department (24/7) - 103 Hospital Drive
• St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency Department (24/7) - 1702 – 20^th Street 

The Student Wellness Centre does not administer forensic examinations.

To learn more visit - Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre, Forensic Medical Exams

How we respond to disclosures of sexual violence matters

Victims/survivors of sexual violence often struggle with disclosing their experiences. With this in mind, our responses to disclosures of sexual violence are so important.

We need to ensure victims/survivors of sexual violence do not feel judged, that they feel heard, and are accepted and believed. There isn’t a perfect recipe for supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence. You may feel panicked or that you don’t have the right knowledge or skills to help. But, the victim/survivor trusted you to share and how you respond matters.

• Remain calm – you may feel shocked, confused or outraged, but expressing these emotions to the victim/survivor may cause confusion or discomfort.
• Be present, be aware of the space, and your tone of voice.
• Allow for silences. Give the person space and time to share what they are going through.
• Be “survivor-centered” in your response by focusing on the victim/survivor’s needs and feelings.
• Allow them to make their own decisions about next steps, and give them time to process the event and options.
• Do not assume that you know how the victim/survivor is feeling
• Do not pry for additional details
• Listen to them
• Believe them
• Let them know they are not alone
• Thank them for trusting you to share

Those who have experienced sexual violence need our compassion and support. Remember these three key phrases. 

1. I believe you.
2. It’s not your fault.
3. How can I help?

Where a student (any Usask student regardless of campus location) has disclosed sexual violence to a Usask employee, they are encouraged to contact the Student Affairs and Outreach team who will provide the employee with guidance and support options for the student.

If you receive a disclose sexual violence

Student victim/survivors

The Student Affairs and Outreach team will provide direct and immediate, trauma-informed, support, assistance with any academic considerations, and information related to options of reporting, and the formal complaint process. 

Employee victim/survivors

Ensure the employee is aware of the services provided by the Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) and Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services (DHPS) 

There are situations in which sexual violence is disclosed to a University of Saskatchewan employee in such a manner that the employee is asked by the individual not to share this information with others. In those instances, the employee is asked to seek guidance from university personnel (i.e., Student Affairs and Outreach) for the purpose of providing the necessary supports to the individual who has disclosed, while maintaining the confidentiality requested by the individual who has experienced sexualized violence.

There are situations in which sexual violence is disclosed to a University of Saskatchewan employee whose professional position carries with it a responsibility to maintain confidentiality (e.g., physician, counsellor). In those instances, the employee is asked to follow the professional protocol that governs behaviour and practice under those circumstances and to be aware of university policies and procedures so as to provide this information to the individual who has experienced sexual violence.

We are also aware that those who are responding to disclosures of sexual violence can be personally affected so it’s important for responders to not only support the victim/survivor but to also take care of themselves.