SASSL exists to provide non-judgemental peer-support and referrals to survivors of sexual violence. Our walk-in support is available all year round during office hours. We also run educational outreach programs and information sessions on campus and in the larger community. Our support line runs 24 hours during the Fall-Winter semesters and can be reached at: 416-650-8056. During the summer semester, the support line operates only during regular office hours.
What survivor support looks like at SASSL:
- 24 hour peer-support via our support line and during our staff office hours on issues related to sexual violence including personal and academic concerns, stress, sexuality etc. Our support line can be accessed at: 416-650-8056
- Informal referrals to other campus and community organizations related to housing, health, legal assistance
- Creation of outreach programs and workshops to educate students, faculty, staff and community members amount sexual violence
- Establish and maintain relationships and ongoing collaboration with York University’s colleges and other student-run organizations; give Frosh related, Residence Life, Don training, and in-class presentations related to sexual violence
- Creation of pamphlets, info-graphics, posters, videos, and other promotional material to aid our training efforts and commitment to education related to sexual violence; offering SASSL promotional items to campus and community organizations free-of-charge
- Extensive training of university students interested in volunteering for SASSL on anti-oppressive, anti-racist frameworks of understanding systemic and individual forms of sexual violence; training on active listening, and procedures and processes for accessing legal, housing, police, hospital supports
- Hosting campus and community events on sexual violence and other related issues including Trans Day of Remembrance, Dec. 6th National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Wen-Do Defense workshops, SASSL’s annual heART event etc.
- Attend regular internal and external university meetings related to sexual and gender violence prevention and response; research policies related to sexual violence and making recommendations to the university regarding further policy development; networking with other organizations and universities to further develop and improve policies and services related to sexual violence across Ontario campuses
What survivor support looks like across campus:
In addition to SASSL’s student-run services, York University now also has a Sexual Violence Response Office. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education coordinates supports and resources for all members of the community that have experienced sexual violence, receives disclosures and complaints, facilitates safety planning, and assists survivors through the complaint process.This office was created following the approval of York University’s official Sexual Violence Policy in December of 2016 by the Board of Governors.
Location- 301 York Lanes
Phone Line – 416-736-5211
Email –thecentre@yorku.ca