There are many misconceptions around sexualized violence. Learn more about what is considered sexualized violence, what consent is, how BCIT responds to sexualized violence, and what you can do to contribute to a safer community.
Any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, which is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent and including but not limited to:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual exploitation
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Indecent exposure
- Voyeurism
- The distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more persons other than the person in the photograph or video without the consent of the person in the photograph or video.
Sexualized Violence can take place through any form of means of communication (e.g., verbal written, visual, through a third party, online, social media, etc.).
This list is intended to help the BCIT community understand the kinds of acts that will be considered sexualized violence. This list is not exhaustive and other acts can still be considered sexualized violence under this policy even if they do not appear in the above list. The above terms are further defined in Appendix A of the Sexualized Violence Policy [PDF].
Consent is an active, direct, voluntary, and conscious choice and agreement to engage in physical contact or sexual activity. It is the responsibility of the initiator of physical contact or sexual activity to obtain consent at all stages of mutually acceptable sexual engagement. More specifically, consent:
- Is not silence or the absence of “no”.
- Cannot be assumed or implied.
- Cannot be given by an individual incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, or some other reason, and/or who is unconscious, or otherwise incapable of providing consent.
- Is not present if the impaired judgement on the part of the initiator leads them to think or believe there was consent.
- Can be revoked at anytime, regardless of previous sexual activities or agreements.
- Can never be obtained through abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment, or other pressure tactics.
- Cannot be obtained if the initiator abuses a position of trust, power, or authority.
- Cannot be assumed from previous consent to similar activities or agreements.
- Is required regardless of the relationship status or sexual history of the parties.
Below are some places to learn more:
- “Options for Informing BCIT” and “Support Services” sections of this website
- BCIT’s Sexualized Violence Policy [PDF]
- BCIT’s Response to Sexual Violence and Misconduct Procedure [PDF]
- BCIT’s Sexualized Violence Annual Report 2024-25 [PDF]
Be an “Active Bystander”. An active bystander is someone who looks out for others and takes steps to intervene when they notice harmful comments, jokes, actions and behaviour. When deciding how to intervene always be aware of your own safety, and the safety of others. Keep in mind the 4 D’s of intervening and decide which one(s) to use:
- DIRECT – Address concerning behaviour directly when you notice it. For example, by saying, “That’s not okay, leave them alone.”
- DISTRACT – Distract in order to interrupt a situation where someone appears to be in distress. For example, ask the person an unrelated question, such as asking for directions in order to interrupt the harmful interaction.
- DELEGATE – Find another person to intervene or check on the individual who may be in distress. This may be a person in authority.
- DELAY – Check in on the person later to see if they need support.