Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

Call Regina Police Service at 911 or U of R Protective Services at 306-585-4999 (24 hrs) if you need emergency services.

Hospitals

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) are available 24 hrs at both Regina hospitals. You do not have to disclose the situation to the triage nurse – just ask for the SANE nurse. The SANE team are experts dedicated to a trauma-informed and respectful approach to survivors of sexual assault, including a basic or more extensive medical examination, emergency medications and testing.

• Pasqua Hospital: 4101 Dewdney St.
• General Hospital: 1440-14th Ave.

Other Emergency Supports

• Regina Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hrs): 306-352-0434

A common reaction to sexual violence is to blame yourself, feel confused, and/or struggle to remember details or specifics of the event. You might also experience:

• Exaggerated startle response or hyper-alertness.
• Decrease in self-esteem, self-worth, or confidence.
• Impairment in memory and concentration.
• Avoidance of activities or people that arouse memories.
• Flashbacks, nightmares, and trouble sleeping.
• Difficulties trusting and feeling safe.
• Changes in how you feel about your body.
• Emotional upheaval creating mood swings such as anger, irritability, grief, depression, and loss.
• Increase in the consumption of alcohol, drugs, food or exercise to manage intense emotion.

Healing from sexual assault can take time and the experience can be different for everyone. If you have experienced sexual assault, there are a number of areas on campus to assist you.  Do not hesitate to ask for help.

• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator (SVPR): Call Miranda Tarnes at 306-337-3149 or e-mail sexual.violence.response@uregina.ca, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The SVPR can assist either survivors or their supports in person, or by telephone or e-mail. Supports can include listening, accompaniment to appointments or to seek medical attention, referrals to both on- and off-campus resources, advocacy for deferrals, extensions and/or other academic accommodations, and general information. You do not have to make a report to access University of Regina services. You will be listened to, respected, and believed!
• Student Mental Health Services: 306-337-2200
• URPride Centre for Sexual & Gender Diversity: 306-337-8811
• ta-tawâw Student Centre: 306-337-315
• UR International: 306-585-5082

• Regina Sexual Assault Centre: call 306-522-2777 for appointment or 306-352-0434 for 24 hr crisis line 
• Family Services Regina (intimate partner violence, stalking, or counselling): 306-757-6675
• Mobile Crisis (24 hrs): 306-757-0127
• Domestic Violence Shelters (24 hrs):
  • Transition House: 306-757-2096
  • YWCA Isabel Johnson Shelter: 306-525-2141
  • Wish: 306-543-0493
• Medical support:
  • Planned Parenthood: 306-522-0902

Disclosure:

Indicates that a person wants to share information about their assault with another person. It does not mean that a person necessarily wants to make a formal report about the assault. Not reporting is a valid option. Individuals who have experienced sexual violence can receive confidential support from the SVPR Coordinator. 

Report/Complaint:

Means that the person wants to make a formal complaint to either the police or University services. University processes are different than criminal and legal processes. Individuals are encouraged to contact the SVPR Coordinator for information about the various reporting options available. 

There are three options for a person who has experienced a sexual assault or sexual misconduct. There is no wrong option.

Option 1: Report to the Police

There are two ways to report a sexual assault to the police:

1. You can contact the police directly by calling 911 or 306-777-6500.
2. You can contact the police by a Third Person Anonymous Report. In the case of the Third Person Anonymous Report someone else can report the sexual assault to the police and you will remain anonymous.

Not sure if you want to report to the police?

If you are not sure if you want to report a sexual assault, there is a "Third Option" offered at the hospital. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) nurses can collect and store forensic evidence for up to a year, giving you the time and space to determine whether you want to report.

Option 2: Report to the University of Regina

If the individual(s) who committed the sexual assault/violence is a member of the University community, you have the option to report to the University, which will assess the report for investigation. The investigation will seek to determine if the individual(s) violated the University's Sexual Violence/Misconduct Policy and is not criminal in nature. It is important to contact the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) Coordinator if you would like to make a report, so your options can be explained. The SVPR Coordinator will also support you through the reporting and investigation process, including:

• Assisting in making the report;
• Requesting appropriate interim measures;
• Acting as your advocate during the investigation process; 
• Updating you on the status of the investigation;
• Going with you to any or all meetings and interviews; and,
• Assisting you in accessing academic accommodations, if required (e.g., Extensions).

You can change your mind at any time or withdraw during the process. However, the University may continue to investigate or contact the police or other authorities if there is:

• a legal duty to do so, or,
• a significant risk to other people.

Option 3: Not Report the Incident

It is okay to not report the incident. You will have access to University supports no matter what you choose to do.

What to do next? Call the SVPR coordinator at 306-337-3149.

Below is a list of common trauma responses that survivors can experience after sexual violence:

• Blaming themselves for the incident.
• Confusion about whether it was sexual assault.
• Fear for safety or that others will judge them.  
• Appear calm and unaffected.
• Frantic, distraught, anxious.
• Angry or aggressive.
• Shock or disbelief that it happened.
• Unable to recall details or aspects of the incident or incoherent recollection.
• Feeling frozen during the assault (unable to move or speak; mentally removed from body.)
• May want to ignore that it happened.

As a support person, there are a few important steps that you can take to ensure the survivor feels safe and supported:

Believe

Many survivors of sexual violence worry that they will not be believed or that they are somehow to blame for the assault. Let the person know that you believe them and emphasize that it was not their fault. The only one to blame for the assault is the perpetrator.

Listen

Allow the person a chance to share information without interruption or judgement. Acknowledge the courage it takes to share, and refrain from asking “why” questions or for details on the assault.

Ask

Usually, when someone discloses information regarding an assault they are looking for support. Simply asking “what can I do to help” allows the individual the opportunity to share.

Provide Support and Resource Information

Consider both the physical safety and emotional well-being of the person making the disclosure. Offer information on supports and resources,  including on-campus and off-campus medical and counselling services (as outlined above).

Explore Options

People have the right to make their own decisions on how they move forward after the assault. It is important for survivors to be in control over how and what supports are accessed.

If you are U of R faculty or staff supporting an individual, contact the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator for consultation and advice around issues related to sexual violence.