Your Voice. Your Safety. Your Choice.

At Okanagan College, we are committed to fostering safer campuses by empowering survivors of sexual and gender-based violence through compassionate support, ongoing education, and meaningful action.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, harassment, or harm—no matter when or where it occurred— Okanagan College is here to help. We offer a confidential space where survivors are respected as the experts of their own experiences, with the autonomy to choose the resources that best fit their needs.

We are committed to creating a safer environment for everyone by respecting and honouring each person's unique identities and experiences. At Okanagan College, you have options, and we are here to support you at every step of your journey.

The term "survivor" refers to individuals who have experienced sexual violence and are on a journey to reclaim their lives. "Survivor" honours the resilience, strength, and courage that individuals embody as they navigate their healing process. This language acknowledges their agency and empowers them to define their own path forward. By choosing "survivor," we recognize the bravery it takes to seek support and move beyond the trauma, while also respecting each person's unique experience.

Support & disclosure options at OC

Anonymous Disclosure Form

  • Share only the information you choose; no need to identify yourself.
  • Use this form if you want us to be aware of what happened without seeking immediate support.
  • Helps the Coordinated Support Services (CSS) team monitor and understand incidents on campus.
  • While we cannot respond directly to anonymous disclosures, your input helps improve policies and support services.
  • While this is an anonymous option, if you wish to access support or explore additional disclosure options in the future, you can contact CSS or other trusted resources at any time.
Anonymous Disclosure Form

Survivor Support Form

  • Confidentially share your name, contact info, and any details you wish to provide about the incident.
  • Use this form to connect with CSS, explore your reporting options, and create a personalized support plan. We will contact you to schedule a meeting.
  • How we can help:
    • Connect to campus and community resources
    • Start an official campus investigation
    • Provide academic concessions
    • Assist with filing an RCMP report
Survivor Support Form

Connect with Campus Supports

If you prefer not to use a form, need assistance completing one, or are unsure which form to use, you can reach out directly to the CSS team. We respect, support, and empower your right to disclose your experience to any safe person you choose such as family, friends, on-campus supports such as OC Counselling Services, or resources in the community. We are here to provide the guidance you need and help you explore all available options. You never have to make these decisions alone.

Email us at occares@okanagan.bc.ca with any questions or to schedule a confidential meeting. Or connect with Counselling Services at counselling@okanagan.bc.ca.

Supportive resources

On-campus supports

  • Coordinated Support Services supports students who might struggle to navigate the complexities of post-secondary education. They are able to work with the student to gain insight into their struggles and make effective referrals to other OC or community-based support services. If you have experienced sexual violence, the Coordinated Support Services team can help you explore the various support options available and collaboratively work with you to create an empowering plan. This can include different reporting pathways, academic concessions such as assignment extensions and exam re-scheduling, connection to community resources, developing safety strategies, and guidance through college policies.
  • To get help accessing support and to discuss what options may be available to you, reach out to occares@okanagan.bc.ca or visit us in person at the Student Services Office (S111 at the Kelowna Campus) and ask to speak to someone from CSS. 

 

Coordinated Support Services webpage
  • OC Counsellors provide free, confidential, one-on-one counselling support.
  • Clinical Counsellors provide a safe and confidential space to process your experience with sexual violence while working collaboratively with you to strengthen your ability to cope right here on campus.
  • Can help make referrals to longer-term counselling options and supports in the community.
  • To request an appointment or for more information visit the OC Counselling Services webpage.
OC Counselling Services Webpage
  • Security can be contacted in urgent or emergency situations. If you feel unsafe on campus, call 911 or Campus Security at:
    • Kelowna campus: 250-317-2435
    • Penticton campus: 250-486-3879
    • Salmon Arm campus:  250-317-2435 (no on-site security)
    • Vernon campus: 250-307-4574
  • Campus Security also offers a Safe Walk program should you wish for security to escort you to your vehicle or another location on campus. Visit the Campus Security webpage for more information on this resource and to download the OC Safe app. 
Campus Security Webpage

Community resources

  • If you have experienced sexual assault and wish to seek medical care, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program is available at each hospital in the Interior Health Region.
  • This type of care can offer STI prevention, care, and treatment as well as emergency contraceptive options.
  • There is no obligation to file a police report to access this service.
  • You are welcome to bring a support individual such as a friend or case worker from The Elizabeth Fry Society, SOWINS, or the SAFE Society.
  • Kelowna General Hospital: 250-862-4000
  • Penticton General Hospital: 250-492-4000
  • Vernon Jubilee Hospital: 250-545-2211
  • Shuswap Lake General Hospital: 250-833-3600
SAFE Program Webpage
  • A support program that provides information and referral services for victims of crime and trauma across BC and Yukon.
  • Available 24/7 and in 240 languages via phone or email.
  • 1-800-563-0808 (call or text)
  • 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca
VictimLink BC Website
  • Provides free, confidential, trauma-informed support for individuals of all genders impacted by domestic and gender-based violence, including sexualized violence.
  • Their services include integrated supports across emergency housing, sexualized violence response, and community-based victim services.

General Support & Access

Emergency Housing & Domestic Violence Support

  • Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and outreach support for women experiencing domestic abuse. Services include safety planning and connection to community resources.

Sexualized Assault Services

  • Provides specialized support for individuals impacted by sexualized violence, including supportive listening, safety planning, accompaniment to healthcare services, support navigating the criminal justice system, and connection to community supports.
  • Referral Email: referral@kelownawomensshelter.ca
  • Community Support Phone: 778-410-2204

Community-Based Victim Services (Family & Sexualized Violence)

  • Supports adults, youth, and children impacted by power-based violence, including sexualized violence, gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. Services include crisis response, advocacy, court orientation and accompaniment, assistance with victim impact statements, and practical support navigating systems and community resources.
  • Referral Email: referral@kelownawomensshelter.ca
  • Community Support Phone: 778-410-2204
Kelowna Women's Shelter Website
  • Provides multiple programs and services for survivors of sexual violence and their families.
  • Some of the programs include community-based victim services, sexual violence support, outreach, family violence prevention, and transition houses.
  • Offers a confidential, online-chat support and consultation from 10:00am – 10:00pm daily.
  • Services are available to residents of Salmon Arm and the North and South Shuswap.
  • 250-832-9616 
SAFE Society Website
  • Provides free, safe, and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence in hopes of empowering each survivor to make the choices that are best for them. 
  • Offers a variety of services including medical care and forensic exams, reporting options, navigation of the justice system, connection to community resources, and ongoing emotional support.
  • Services are available to residents of Vernon and the North Okanagan. 
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm: 250-309-6733
  • 24/7 Support Line: 250-542-1122
  • SAS@archwaysociety.ca 
Archway Society Website - Sexual Assault Services
  • The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a service to provide shelter, safety, and support by helping individuals recognize, understand, and overcome the impacts of abuse.
  • For individuals who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing violence or abuse.
  • Services are available to residents of Penticton and the South Okanagan.
  • No referral necessary.
  • 250-493-4366
  • Crisis Line & Emergency Shelter: 1-800-814-2033
  • info@sowins.com
SOWINS Website

Additional resources can also be found on the Well-Being and Student Support webpage.

Well-Being & Student Support Webpage

Medical care

If you have experienced sexual assault, seeking medical care is an option available to you. The Interior Health (IH) Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program offers medical and forensic care for individuals who have experienced sexual violence. To access the SAFE Program, you can visit the emergency department at the nearest IH hospital and ask for a SAFE examiner. This care may include STI prevention or treatment, emergency contraceptives, and other medical services.

You do not have to go through this alone. You are welcome and encouraged to bring a support person with you to these appointments. If you do not have someone to accompany you, organizations like the Kelowna Women’s Shelter or other community resources can provide a support person.

These exams are confidential, and you are not required to make a report to the police when accessing these services.

Medical care options

Kelowna General Hospital

Kelowna Women’s Shelter offers accompaniment and support for medical services to this facility.

 

Penticton Regional Hospital

SOWINS offers transportation and support services for medical services to this facility. 

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

Archway Society offers transportation and support services for medical services to this facility. 

Shushwap Lake General Hospital

SAFE Society offers transportation and support services for medical services to this facility. 

Accessing REES reports

OC was formally partnered with REES for sexual violence reporting. If you had previously submitted a report through this platform, you can access it through the link below.

REES Login

OC Sexual Violence & Misconduct Policy

Explore how OC protects and supports its community, detailing your rights, available resources, and our commitment to a respectful and safe campus environment in the policy below.

Sexual Violence & Misconduct Policy