If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexualized violence, whether it is sexual assault or harassment, sexual cyber-bullying, stalking, indecent exposure, threats, voyeurism, or sexual exploitation, you are not alone. The Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator (SVREC) offers compassionate and confidential support and guidance.
The SVREC provides support for all members of the Acadia community who have been affected by sexualized violence. The SVREC can help you understand, access, and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, and legal aid. The SVREC will explain your options under Acadia’s Sexualized Violence Policy, help you understand what the process may involve, and support you no matter what choice you make.
Allison Smith, MA, JD (pronouns: she/they)Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator
Allison Smith is Acadia’s Director, Human Rights and Human Rights Education. Her role is to provide confidential, compassionate support to survivors and help them navigate options under the Sexualized Violence Policy. Allison has a law degree from Dalhousie University and has built a career focused on human rights, gender equality, restorative dispute resolution, and violence prevention. She has worked on the province’s Sexual Violence Strategy, as a consultant on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, as a dispute resolution officer at the NS Human Rights Commission, and as a writer for the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. Allison is the author of numerous publications focused on human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Allison is passionate about employing a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach in all aspects of her work. Allison is also an avid fiction writer and musician and is working both on a first collection of short stories and an album of original songs. You can contact Allison at svrec@acadiau.ca.
svrec@acadiau.caMessages responded to Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment and is included in the definition of sexual harassment under the University’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Acadia University is committed to promoting and maintaining a respectful work, learning and living environment for all its community members on campus – one that is free of harassment, including all forms of sexual assault.
Acadia University Safety and Security Department and Equity Office will respond to and investigate all complaints of sexual assault confidentially with respect to the wishes of the complainant. Through these offices charges can be processed through the Non-Academic Judicial System or assistance provided in having the matter brought to the police, depending on the wishes of the complainant.
A complaint of sexual assault can be made through Acadia University’s Non-Academic Judicial System. This system will receive complaints and can impose sanctions. If you want to charge someone or have any questions about the Non-Academic Judicial System please contact: Steve Hassapis, Student Development Coordinator, or phone 585-1825
Acadia University supports any members of our community who experience sexual assault. Acadia University will work with community agencies in the aftermath of a sexual assault, including but not limited to, local police, hospitals, advocacy groups and counselling.
