Sexual Assault Education
Sexual assault is a term that refers to an unwanted sexual act against or without a person’s consent. This type of assault encompasses more than violent physical incidents—sexual assault refers to any sexual, physical, verbal or visual act that forces a person against their will to join in unwanted sexual conduct or attention.
Sexual assault affects many lives—both directly and indirectly. It is a crime that spans age, sexual orientation, religion and gender, and affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. It is estimated that one in five women and one in 71 men in their lifetime in the United States are affected by sexual assault.
There are many short and long term effects of sexual assault that affect the mind, body and spirit. Many survivors experience one or more of these effects and they are not mutually exclusive. For example, a physical reaction to trauma such as self-injury can be the result of depression. The physical, mental and spiritual effects following sexual assault and rape are difficult to cope with. If you or someone you know is experiencing effects from a sexual assault, there are many resources that can assist.
In an emergency situation, always call 911. Emergency situations include a recent threat of violence, recent act of violence or if someone’s health is in imminent danger. Below are Crisis Hotlines that are available 24 hours a day:
VictimLink BC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual crisis hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
SAE Institute values civility, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty, and safety, as described in the Student Conduct and is firmly committed to maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment, and sexual assault, collectively referred to in this policy as sexual misconduct.
Sexual misconduct jeopardizes the mental, physical, and emotional welfare of our students and employees, as well as the safety of our learning community. This policy provides information on how the school will proceed once it is made aware of sexual misconduct.
For purposes of this policy, sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behaviors that can create a hostile educational environment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment.
This policy applies to sexual misconduct that is committed by a SAE Institute student or employee whenever that sexual misconduct occurs on campus or off campus in connection with a SAE Institute recognized program or activity or in a manner that may pose an obvious and serious threat of harm to, or that may have the effect of creating a hostile educational environment for any member(s) of the SAE Institute community. This policy also prohibits retaliation in connection with any reports of possible sexual misconduct that are made under this policy.
SAE Institute strongly encourages the prompt reporting of sexual misconduct to the Campus Director or other campus administrator. The report may be made by:
- A person who believes they experienced sexual misconduct (a “Complainant”); or
- A person who has information that sexual misconduct may have been committed by a SAE Institute student or employee.
If the Reporter or Complainant chooses not to participate in SAE Institute’s investigation of the incident, SAE Institute may, as described below, pursue the report without that person’s participation.
SAE Institute also encourages anyone who believes they experienced a sexual assault (or any other crime) to make a report to the local police department. Collection and preservation of evidence relating to the reported sexual assault is essential for law enforcement investigations, so prompt reporting of the incident to law enforcement is especially critical.
Once SAE Institute is put on notice of possible sexual misconduct, the Complainant will be offered appropriate confidential support and other resources. SAE Institute will take
appropriate steps to prevent and/or address retaliatory conduct following a report. If requested, other participants in the process (such as Reporters or witnesses) may also be offered appropriate support services and information.
The Campus Director will determine the most effective method of investigating the concerns raised by the reported sexual misconduct. In all cases, SAE Institute will respond to the report in a prompt, thorough, procedurally fair, and effective manner. Upon receipt of a report, SAE Institute will strive to complete its investigation and notify the Complainant within 14 calendar days. The results of the investigation may include student or employee disciplinary action, up to and including permanent dismissal from SAE Institute. If deemed appropriate, SAE Institute may adjust the schedules of the student’s involved to ensure a safe learning environment.