The Sexual Violence Resource Centre is open and available to anyone seeking support
For those seeking help, the UM’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is open to all students, faculty, and staff who have been impacted by sexual violence, or know those who have been impacted by sexual violence. The SVRC provides support, education, resources, and referral services by fostering a safe and inclusive space for survivors to connect with support staff.
The SVRC is open to everyone, and incidents do not need to be related to experiences on campus. Through trauma-informed practices, the SVRC offers support that is survivor-centred. Those reaching out for support are free to choose how much they want to disclose and how they want to proceed. For those who may need help supporting someone in their life who has experienced sexual violence, the SVRC offers educational resources and workshops to help support loved ones, connecting survivors or close ones of survivors to experts.
Support from the SVRC extends to difficulties in relationships in general. “Sexual violence” is a broad term that covers a range of issues and experiences, including assault, harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Individuals dealing with any issues around health and safety in sex and relationships more broadly are encouraged to reach out to the SVRC.
Privacy and comfort are the core aspects of the SVRC, and all visits to the SVRC are confidential. The autonomy of individuals seeking help is respected, and the centre plays a supporting role as individuals decide their course of actions. Experts at the SVRC offer guidance, assess needs, and clarify options and possible next steps to help support individuals on whatever path they may choose to follow. Each individual needs different supports, and the SVRC strives to navigate the particularities of everyone’s unique circumstances.
Educational resources are available for everyone and cover topics ranging from healthy relationships, responding to disclosures, and can connect survivors to therapeutic and other services at UM.
The SRVC is located at 537 UMSU University Centre (Fort Garry campus) and appointments can be made by calling 204-474-6562 or via e-mail at svrc[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.
The SVRC also has Drop-in Hours at the following times:
Monday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesdays and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Check the Sexual Violence Research Centre website for more information about the SVRC and related resources.