Sexual Assault - Definition
Ontario’s Women’s Directorate defines Sexual Assault as any unwanted act of a sexual nature (i.e. kissing, touching, oral or anal sex, intercourse or other forms of penetration) that is imposed on another person.
Level 1 - Sexual Assault
Section #271 Criminal Code of Canada
Everyone who commits a sexual assault is guilty of:
- an indictable offense and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or,
- an offense punishable on summary conviction
Level 2 - Sexual Assault With A Weapon, Threats to a Third Party or Causing Bodily Harm
Section #272 Criminal Code of Canada
Everyone who, in committing a sexual assault:
- carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon or an imitation thereof,
- threatens to cause bodily harm to a person other than the complainant,
- causes bodily harm to the complainant, or
- is a party to the offense with any other person;
is guilty of an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
Level 3 - Aggravated Sexual Assault
Section #273 Criminal Code of Canada
- Everyone commits an aggravated sexual assault who, in committing a sexual assault, wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.
- Everyone who commits an aggravated sexual assault is guilty of an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for life.
UW Police Service
Complaint(s) of Sexual Assault will initially be addressed by this department however, Waterloo Regional Police Services have a specialized, highly qualified “Sexual Assault Team” who will investigate complaints of this nature in conjunction with the University of Waterloo Police.
Safety Tips
Even the best self-defense program cannot completely prevent Sexual Assault. Anyone can become a victim. The following tips are designed to increase your awareness of personal safety and to encourage you to think ahead about how you would react if assaulted.
- Trust your feelings. If you feel in danger, you probably are.
- Walk confidently. Be aware of your surroundings. Know your route and stay in well lit areas.
- If you find yourself in danger, blow a whistle or yell “FIRE” instead of “help”.
- Check your car before getting in. Keep doors and windows locked.
- Do not stop to assist stranded drivers. Drive on and call the police as soon as possible.
- Do not accept assistance if your car is stalled. Tell anyone who offers help to call police.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- At home or in residence, keep the doors and windows locked. Ask repair, service or delivery persons for identification or have them wait outside while you call for verification.
- Learn to defend yourself.
- It is your body, it belongs to you, NOBODY has the right to touch it or hurt you.
If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
- Remember IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! Go to a safe place. Call someone you trust for support.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- A medical examination is important to detect injury and for possible protection against sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
- Seriously consider reporting the assault to police. Telling the police does not mean that you have to prosecute (go to trial).
- Call the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre for advice and information, or speak with a counsellor you are comfortable with.
Please Remember
If you are a victim of Sexual Assault, you are the survivor of a violent crime … but you are NOT alone. Many people have experienced this. You must realize that this assault was “WAS NOT YOUR FAULT”.
As well, you must accept the fact that it takes TIME to recover from a sexual assault. You may experience a number of feelings and reactions during your recovery process.
- Feelings of shock, guilt, shame and anger.
- Fear of being alone.
- Anxiety about sexual matters.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- Sleep disturbances, including flashback dreams and insomnia.
- Loss of appetite and nausea.
- Muscle tension causing headaches and fatigue.
As well, you must be prepared for your parents, spouse, and friends to react to your experience.
