Know Your Rights. Receive Support. Access Services.

Every member of the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) community has the right to learn, work, and live in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from sexual violence or harassment.

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence — on campus, online, or in the community — you are not alone. CNA is committed to providing compassionate, confidential support and clear information about your rights and options.

Crisis Support

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by sexual violence, reach out for help:

Call 911 End Sexual Violence Support Line:
1-800-726-2743 Domestic Violence Help Line:
1-888-709-7090

If you need medical care or feel unsafe, please go to your nearest hospital or emergency department.

CNA Sexual Violence Support Policy & Procedure

CNA is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all students and employees. Our Sexual Violence Policy and Procedure outline your rights, the options available, and the supports you can access if you experience or witness sexual violence.

Sexual Violence Policy

Understand CNA’s Sexual Violence Policy — it defines key terms, outlines rights and responsibilities, and reaffirms CNA’s commitment to preventing and responding to sexual violence.

View Policy (PDF)

Sexual Violence Procedure

Learn about CNA’s Sexual Violence Procedure — it explains how to disclose or report an incident, what happens next, and the supports available throughout the process.

View Procedure (PDF)

If you are unsure which option is right for you, you can contact us for confidential guidance and information about both the policy and procedure.

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence includes acts, physical or psychological in nature, that threaten, intimidate, coerce, or involve unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature without a person’s consent. It includes both in-person and digital or cyber actions. These behaviours can occur in any setting and may involve strangers, acquaintances, or people in positions of trust.

Sexual violence takes many forms, including but not limited to sexual harassment and sexual assault. Every form of sexual violence is a serious violation of personal safety, dignity, and respect.

Examples of sexual violence:

  • Distribution of intimate images without consent
  • Denying another person’s sexual decision-making rights
  • Unwanted sexual comments, advances, or solicitation
  • Threat of reprisal for refusal of sexual advances
  • Sexual contact without consent
CNA students supporting each other in a safe campus environment

Creating awareness and fostering safe, respectful learning environments across all CNA campuses.

What is Consent?

As defined by the Criminal Code of Canada, consent refers to voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. CNA advocates a culture of mutual consent whereby consent to any sexual activity is ongoing, freely given, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time.

Get Support for Sexual Violence

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence — on or off campus — you are not alone. Whether you need crisis intervention, counselling, education, or help navigating CNA’s policy and procedures, our Student Services team is here to support you.

Who Can You Contact?

Talk to a CNA Guidance Counsellor

  • Confidential (except in cases of immediate risk of harm).
  • Get support for personal and social concerns, resources, referrals, and advocacy.
  • Reach out to a counsellor to book an appointment on your campus.

Talk to Any CNA Employee

You can reach out to any CNA employee for support. Depending on what you share, they may consult with Human Resources or Student Services to determine the best way to assist you.

Names are not usually shared at this stage, but a disclosure may lead to action such as an investigation.

Talk to Student Services

Contact us.
We can explain what is confidential and what is not, help you understand procedures and options, and discuss available supports. You can decide how you would like to proceed and whether you wish to participate in any process going forward.

Access 24/7 Support

End Sexual Violence NL Support Centre

24-hour confidential support and information: 1-800-726-2743.
Offers in-person support, resources, education, and accompaniment to SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program at St. Clare’s Hospital or the RNC (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary) in St. John’s.

811 Healthline

Free, confidential telephone support from Registered Nurses, including information on what to do if you’ve experienced sexual violence and how to care for your physical and mental health.

Mental Health Crisis Line

Call 8-1-1 anytime for free, confidential crisis intervention by professionally trained Crisis Interveners.

Crisis Text Line

Text CONNECT to 686868 or 741741 for free, 24/7 confidential text support with a trained volunteer crisis responder at Crisis Text Line .

The Journey Project (Legal Support Navigators)

Call 1-833-722-2805 for free information and guidance through the justice system. This collaboration strengthens support for individuals affected by sexual violence and intimate-partner violence across Newfoundland and Labrador.

For general questions or assistance connecting to services, Contact us.

Give Support for Sexual Violence

Sexual violence support training

As the only provincially mandated organisation dealing directly with sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador, the End Sexual Violence NL Support Centre has access to a wide range of information, resources, and community groups.

Contact their office to discuss your needs or questions and they will connect you with relevant information, training, and services.

Visit End Sexual Violence NL

Questions?

Contact Charlene Walsh, Manager – Student Relations

Contact Form

709-758-7319