Sexual Violence in the Workplace

All questions are optional- please fill out whatever you are comfortable with. All surveys are anonymous, unless otherwise stated, and the information gathered is confidential. The purpose of this survey is to learn about what's happening in our community- what's working, what's not, and how we can help. Please refrain from using any names of individuals or businesses in your answers.
If any of these questions are triggering for you, please feel free to contact the YWCA at 403-760-3200 or at YPS@ywcabanff.ca to speak with one of our support staff.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) defines sexual violence (SV) as:
A workplace hazard that refers to any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a worker’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in a workplace or work-related setting.

The image below is the Pyramid of Sexual Violence, which shows the different ways that SV can be committed. SV exists on a continuum from sexist attitudes and beliefs, to obscene name-calling, to groping, and to sexual assault and/or homicide. It includes online form of sexual violence, such as internet threats and harassment, and sexual exploitation. The bottom layer of the pyramid shows that actions such as “slut shaming”, “body shaming”, “strict gender roles” and “locker room talk” are all forms of sexual violence. Please keep this pyramid in mind while answering the questions in this survey.

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* 1. Do you currently live in the Bow Valley? (Banff, Canmore, Morley, Exshaw, Lake Louise, Kananaskis,Lac Des Arc, Harvie Heights)

Yes

If no, please provide your city of residence

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* 2. What age group are you in?

Below 18

18-24

25-35

36+

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* 3. What pronouns do you prefer? Check all that apply

He/Him

She/Her

They/Them

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Which Industry do you work in?

Retail (clothing stores, grocery stores etc.)

Hospitality (restaurant, hotel etc.)

Outdoor (ski hill, guides etc.)

Education (schools, daycare)

Recreation (gyms, ice rinks etc.)

Human Services (medical care, support services)

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Does your workplace have a harassment/bullying/sexual harassment policy in place?

Yes

Unsure

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* 6. Have you ever experienced sexual violence in the workplace while working in the Bow Valley?

Yes

Unsure

If answer is “unsure”, you may add more information below

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* 7. Have you ever experienced sexual violence in staff accommodation in the Bow Valley?

Yes

Unsure

If answer is “unsure”, you may add more information below

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* 8. Have you ever experienced sexual violence in the Bow Valley outside of the workplace?

Yes

Unsure

If answer is “unsure”, you may add more information below

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* 9. If yes, where did the violence occur?

Bar/Club

House Party/social gathering

On a date

While out in public (ex. while walking downtown)

While doing an outdoor activity (ski hill, backcountry trip)

On a sports team

Other- Please expand below

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* 10. If you have experienced sexual violence, did you report the incident?

Yes

Unsure

I have not experienced sexual violence

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* 11. If yes, who did you report to?

Supervisor/HR

RCMP

Medical professional

Counsellor/Psychologist/Social Worker

Disclosed to friend/co-worker

Other

If other, please expand below

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* 12. If no, what influenced that decision? Please check all that apply

Unsure if the incident was sexual violence

Fear of repercussions (losing job, accommodation etc.)

Unsure what your rights were

Unsure of who to report to

Stigma

Other

If other, please expand below

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* 13. What would help you feel safer in your workplace or overall community in regards to sexual violence?

Training in sexual violence

Knowledge of workplace rights

Community supports

Other

If other, please expand below

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* 14. If you have any suggestions for the YWCA on services, support or otherwise, please leave them below.

Thank you for completing this survey! A small swag bag is available to you to thank you for your time. If you would like a swag bag, please email tandia@ywcabanff.ca to arrange pick up/drop off.

For more information on your rights as a worker, please follow the link below to Alberta OHS requirements around workplace harassment and violence

Alberta Occupational Health and Saftey- Harrassment and Violence in the Workplace

More information can also be found on the Alberta Workers Compensation Board (WCB) website. Below is a link to a WCB worker fact sheet on workplace bullying and harassment
WCB Bullying and Harrassment in the Workplace

If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, know there are many resources available to you, including the YWCA, if you choose to access them. Below is an overview from Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Services on what to do following an assault.
AASAS- Following Sexual Assault

If you, or anyone you know, would like to speak to a support counsellor to share more of your story or for help with referrals and community resources, please give us a call at 403-760-3200 or email us at YPS@ywcabanff.ca Our staff are available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, and weekends 11am-7pm.