Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education

Sexual Violence During an Internship

McGill University takes sexual violence including sexual harassment, assault and gender-based violence very seriously and is committed to proactive measures to prevent and respond to sexual violence in any of its forms. Students participating in an internship must know that the University offers support if you experience sexual violence of any kind.

Before you start your internship, familiarize yourself with your host culture’s attitudes towards gender roles, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race and different religions. Laws and systems of justice are not universal. Sexual assault and domestic violence may be handled very differently from Canada.

What is Sexual Violence?

Consent means free, informed, expressed and ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity and cannot occur when a person is incapable of consenting to the activity, for example, when a person is rendered incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, and/or prescription medication or is unconscious. Consent cannot be gained through intimidation, manipulation, blackmail, force, or the abuse of a position of trust, power. Consent to sexual activity can be revoked at any time.

Sexual violence refers to physical or psychological act or acts of a sexual nature that is threatened, attempted or committed towards a person without their consent. It may be directed towards a person’s sexual orientation, sexual or gender expression, or gender identity. It includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, cyber violence and interpersonal or intimate partner violence.

Sexual violence is influenced by intersecting forms of oppression and discrimination, including but not limited to sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism.

If you have experienced sexual violence know that it is not your fault.

What to Do if You Experience Sexual Violence during Your Internship?

Whether you are in Canada or abroad, know that you are not alone and that McGill is here to support you. Students in need of support, who have questions about an experience, have witnessed harm or who are concerned about a situation have several options available to them:

• Connect with the Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education (OSVRSE). Appointments at the OSVRSE can be booked through the button at the top of this page, by emailing  osvrse [at] mcgill.ca, or by calling 514-398-3954. The OSVRSE provides confidential, survivor-focused, and non-judgmental support to all members of the University community. To learn more about the OSVRSE visit mcgill.ca/osvrse
• Contact your University Internship Coordinator, Faculty Advisor, or other University advisor.
• Seek personal supports

Accommodations

Accommodations are designed to promote your safety, well-being, and continued access to educational programs and activities. Accommodations and protective measures are available regardless of whether you report your experience for investigation. To discuss what accommodations or protective measure might be available and helpful to you, please contact the Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education or your University Internship Coordinator, Faculty Advisor, or other University Advisor.

Reporting

Depending on the particular circumstances of your internship, various reporting options may be available to you. To learn more, contact the Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education or your University Internship Coordinator, Faculty Advisor, or other University Advisor.