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Sexualized violence resources and support

Intimate Partner Violence - Statement of Commitment

Released on July 13, 2026

The University of Victoria is committed to creating an environment free of all forms of sexualized violence, including those that occur within intimate relationships, and to building a community where safety, support and violence prevention are prioritized. We understand intimate partner violence (IPV)1 to include a range of behaviours that work to intimidate, control and harass, including coercive control, psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse. IPV can occur online or in-person and over the course of an intimate relationship of any duration, including after separation. UVic recognizes that intimate partner violence, like sexualized violence, compromises one’s ability to participate in University learning, living and working environments.

In continuing our work towards achieving this vision, UVic has recently reviewed and updated the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) Policy (GV0245) and is currently reviewing other related policies. As intimate partner violence may involve behaviours connected to multiple policies,2 UVic is committed to a coordinated response to disclosures of intimate partner violence and integrating policy processes wherever possible.

UVic recognizes the high level of risk often associated with intimate partner violence, and safety is the primary goal when responding. Students, staff and faculty members who disclose intimate partner violence will be connected to trauma-informed and survivor-centred safety planning whether they disclose to Equity and Human Rights (EQHR), Campus Security (CSEC), Office of Student Life (OSL), Residence Services (RESS), Human Resources (HR) or Faculty Relations (FR).

Safety planning and supportive referrals will be available for UVic community members regardless of whether there is an active policy process or jurisdiction to engage with. Confidentiality is essential to building safety and trust, and will be respected, subject to the limitations outlined in Appendix G Statement on Confidentiality and Privacy in the SVPR Policy

UVic’s commitment extends beyond responding to disclosures and incidents; we are actively working towards violence prevention through education and awareness raising activities.

To support a coordinated response to IPV across policies, UVic is taking the following actions:

  • Creating protocols for inter-departmental coordination and collaboration for IPV disclosures. IPV coordination teams will also be responsible for tracking and forwarding anonymous statistics related to IPV disclosures and incidents to EQHR as the office of record.
  • Developing a shared risk screening tool for EQHR, CSEC, OSL, RESS, HR or FR when IPV is disclosed or suspected.
  • Creating clear referral pathways for the appropriate first point of contact on-campus and for off-campus resources as needed.
  • Ensuring appropriate training is available for staff in relevant departments to use the tools and protocols identified in this action plan and to receive disclosures of IPV in a trauma-informed and survivor-centred way.
  • Ensuring violence prevention education is available for students, staff and faculty. In particular, educational resources will be available for student leaders and groups on healthy relationships, consent, and how to connect other students experiencing IPV with support and safety planning.

1 We understand that a multitude of other terms have been used to describe violence between intimate partners and family members, including, but not limited to, dating violence, domestic violence, spousal abuse, family violence, and inter-personal violence. UVic has selected to use the term IPV due to its widespread recognition but acknowledges that survivors may use different terms. Our intention is that this Statement and related protocols could apply to all forms of violence within intimate and familial relationships.  

2 Other relevant policies may include the:

 For further questions about the statement, please contact Annette Angell.