Supports available

The Sexual Harassment Office (SHO) would like to remind members of the Memorial University community that support is available to those impacted or affected by recent events, including the release of the Epstein Files and the mass casualty tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. 

Sexual violence has been prominent in the news and online amid the release of the Epstein Files. The steady flow of emails, videos, and images shared with theories and commentary about what this information represents is difficult to process and can be overwhelming. For people with living and lived experience of sexual violence, it can be triggering, dysregulating, and disturbing. This may result in feelings of being disengaged, detached, or unmotivated. People may feel compelled to consume as much information as possible to understand or to advocate. These are reasonable reactions to unreasonable circumstances. The Sexual Harassment Office staff are here to hold space, offer support, and connect you to support services that can help you move forward.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is also dredging up sexually violent rhetoric about the Transgender community. Those who wish to harm the Trans community have been  weaponizing information about the shooter’s identity. This tragedy of gun violence offers us all an opportunity to reflect on the kind of world we wish to live in and what role violence has in our homes, schools, and minds. The SHO staff strongly encourage community members to seek support if they are feeling impacted by this event. 

Some supports to consider: 

• Student Wellness and Counselling Centre: 709-864-8500, swccfrontdesk@mun.ca.
• GuardMe Student Support Program (GMSSP) is a free mental health service available day or night by calling:
• 1-844-451-9700 within North America
• 001-416-380-6578 outside of North America
• Students who do not have access to a smartphone or tablet, can access chat support and self-help resources online here. 
• Employee Assistance Program crisis support is available to Memorial University employees, retirees and their immediate family members toll-free, 24/7/365 by calling 1-833-707-4747.
• If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can do so online or by calling 1-833-707-4747 between 9:30 and 12:30 a.m., seven days a week. 
• Sexual Harassment Office: 709-864-8199, svprevention@mun.ca 
• End Sexual Violence 24/7 Support Line: 1-800-726-2743
• Planned Parenthood's 2SLGBTQIA+ Warm Line: Wednesday to Sunday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. call or text 1-866-230-8041