Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures

A support person is someone you choose to accompany you and offer emotional support as you go through a disclosure, report, or investigation related to sexual violence. This can be a friend, family member, Elder, counselor, advocate, or anyone you trust. Their role is to help you feel safe, grounded, and supported—not to speak for you.  Remember you will want to select someone whom you feel comfortable knowing the details of the incident or situation, as you may be asked to recount sometimes explicit details during an investigation.

You are welcome to bring a support person to:

• Any meeting about a disclosure or report
• Interviews as part of a college investigation
• Formal proceedings or hearings
• Appeal or follow-up meetings

At the College, a support person:

• Can take notes at meetings
• Assist the student in reviewing institutional policies and procedures
• Assist the student in understanding their rights and responsibilities
• Assist the student in preparing for meetings
• Provide moral and emotional support – before, during and after meetings
• Must keep information shared during a meeting and during the process confidential.

If you don’t have someone in mind, the College may be able to provide you with some recommendations.  Please reach out to a Learning Support Specialist for further support (learningsupport@nlc.bc.ca)

What a support person is not:

• A person whom has direct or indirect connection to the matter under investigation (i.e., the complainant, respondent, or a witness in the process)
• a legal representative (unless that is part of their role and permitted by college policy)
• someone who can speak on your behalf during investigations or proceedings
• someone who can stand in for, or represent a student at a meeting, when the student can not be present
• a decision-maker or active participant in the process
• permitted to interrupt or influence the investigation process

Support persons are there for you, and are asked to agree to confidentiality and respectful conduct during any formal processes.

If you’re unsure who can act as a support person or what their role should be, please contact a Learning Support Specialist at learningsupport@nlc.bc.ca —we’re here to support you.

The College reserves the right to dismiss a support person who disrupts the investigation process and who does not adhere to the limitations outlined.

Sexual violence is a broad term used to encompass unwanted or unwelcomed conduct of a sexualized or sexual nature. This includes sexualized violence and any sexual act that is committed, threatened or attempted against an individual without their consent, regardless of whether the act is physical or psychological in nature. This includes, without limitation: sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sextortion, stalking, stealthing, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and non-consensual posting of sexually explicit pictures or video. Reference to an individual applies regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.

If something made you feel unsafe, violated, or uncomfortable, it’s valid to seek support. You don’t need to label your experience to access help. NLC’s Learning Support Specialists are familiar with NLC policies including the Sexual Violence & Misconduct Policy, and can help you determine if the policy applies to your situation. You can read the policy here.

• Disclosure is when you share your experience with someone to receive emotional support, resources, or information. It does not trigger a formal investigation unless you choose to file an actionable complaint.
• Actionable Complaint is when you formally inform the College of an incident, which may lead to an investigation under NLC’s Sexual Violence and Misconduct policy (E-5.18).

Yes. Northern Lights College offers an option to submit an anonymous report using a secure online form that does not collect your name or contact details unless you choose to provide them. This helps us identify patterns and improve campus safety, even if you don’t want follow-up. Click here to go to the Anonymous Report Form.

Anonymous reports allow the college to track incidents and identify areas of concern. Unless you include identifying information or request a response, we cannot follow up directly. You can still access NLC’s support services even if you report anonymously.

That’s completely okay. You can speak with a Learning Support Specialist confidentially to explore your options and get help without starting a formal process. Support is always available, no matter what you decide.  Learning Support Specialists can be found on the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John campuses in the Student Success Hubs, or via email at learningsupport@nlc.bc.ca.

Yes. It does not matter where or when the incident happened. If you are a student, support is available to you. Feel free to connect with Learning Support or with our confidential counselling service GuardMe Student Support (gmssp.org) when you are ready.

You can connect with:

• • NLC’s Learning Support Specialists (In the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John Student Success Hubs, or via email at learningsupport@nlc.bc.ca)
  • GuardMe Student Support Program to access private and confidential counselling (24/7/365), talking to a trained support person can help you process how you are feeling. You can reach out directly to the GuardMe Student Support Program via their toll-free number 1-844-451-9700, or via their website or by downloading the Telus Health Student Support app (Apple store /Google Play).   Alternatively, you can connect with our Learning Support team physically at the Student Success Hub in Dawson Creek or Fort St. John, or via learningsupport@nlc.bc.ca and one of the Learning Support Specialists will assist you in connecting with this resource.
  • Local sexual assault community agencies (view the Sexual Violence Support Resources)
  • Medical professionals
  • Local law enforcement

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to the Learning Support Team and they will help guide you.

After filing a report under the College’s policy, the Director, Student Services or a designate will contact you to explain the process. You will have the opportunity to provide information, identify your needs, and ask questions. You are supported throughout, and you can withdraw or pause the process at any time.

Yes. Disclosures and reports are handled with the utmost care. Your information is shared only with those who need to know in order to provide support or carry out a response under policy. You’ll be informed about what can and can’t be kept confidential.

Yes. Listening without judgment, believing their story, and offering to connect them with support is powerful. You can also speak with a staff member to learn how to best support someone or find resources for yourself.  You too can access NLC’s free confidential counselling offered through the GuardMe Student Support Program.

Being trauma-informed means recognizing that people react to trauma in different ways, and responding in a way that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment. Our approach avoids re-traumatizing individuals and centers their needs in every step of the process.

Support is still available to you. If you choose to file a report, the college will take steps to ensure your safety and prevent contact during any investigation. You do not have to face this alone—staff can help you navigate this process.

No. NLC prioritizes safety and support. If you disclose or report an incident of sexual violence, you will not be penalized for related policy violations (such as alcohol use) at the time of the incident.

NLC provides education, consent campaigns, and bystander training throughout the year. We work to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety on every campus.