Student Support
Information Box Group
Human Rights and Dispute Resolution Learn More
Email equity@mcmaster.ca
The Human Rights and Dispute Resolution Program provides consultation on issues related to human rights; acts as an Intake Office for formal complaints of discrimination, harassment or sexual violence; oversees and investigates formal complaints lodged under the University’s Discrimination & Harassment Policy and/or the Sexual Violence Policy; when requested, facilitates resolution of concerns and complaints using alternate dispute resolution practices.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Faculty of Health Sciences Professionalism Office Learn More
Email fhsprof@mcmaster.ca
Phone (905) 525-9140 ext 22249 or 28639
The Faculty of Health Sciences professionalism office has a mandate to address issues including but not limited to harassment, intimidation and discrimination according to the University’s policies.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Student Case Management Learn More
Email sscmo@mcmaster.ca
Phone 905-525-9140 ext 20220
The Student Case Management Office provides support to students throughout their time at university, providing resources to manage issues as well as crisis prevention and intervention for students.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Student Wellness Centre Learn More
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. They offer a range of counselling services (including trauma-informed sexual violence support), medical services and wellness programs.
Indigenous Student Services Learn More
Indigenous Student Services provides and connects Indigenous learners to the supports they need to achieve their academic goals.
Black Student Success Centre Learn More
The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of Black/African descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience. The Centre is a safe space where students can meet, share, socialize and access specialized support and services.
Ombuds Office Learn More
The mandate of the Ombuds Office is to ensure that all students, staff, and faculty are treated in a fair and equitable manner within the institution. To this end, the Office provides independent, impartial and confidential dispute-resolution advice and assistance on University-related issues to all members of the McMaster community, promotes discussion of institution-wide concerns, and makes recommendations for systemic changes as appropriate.
Student Accessibility Services Learn More
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodation assistance and related supports to students with disabilities at McMaster. SAS is available to assist students transitioning from high school, other post secondary institutions, undergraduate, continuing and graduate students.
Chaplaincy Centre Learn More
The Chaplaincy Centre helps students, faculty and staff with issues affected by academic, relational, spiritual and practical concerns. The personal support they seek to offer also can lead to a wide variety of programs ranging from prayer to social justice, community connections to self-care of mind, body and spirit, peace-making to awareness-raising.
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC) Learn More
The SCLC is a multicultural network of community leaders and resource groups working in collaboration to provide spiritual care services.
International Student Services Learn More
International Student Services is a division of the Student Success Centre that provides additional services and programs for international undergraduate, graduate, visiting and exchange students at McMaster University.
Open Circle Learn More
Student Open Circles mentors and empowers students from diverse backgrounds in personal and spiritual reflection, community service, and leadership development.
Security Services Learn More
Security Services is responsible for the protection of persons and property within the McMaster community.
President's Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community Learn More
PACBIC’s mandate is to “identify and anticipate issues affecting equity-seeking communities…both within the University and relevant to those seeking access to the University, and advise the President on such issues“
MSU Pride Community Centre Learn More
The Pride Community Centre provides a contact point for McMaster students that may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or any of the other diverse identities that make up the community.
MSU Maccess Learn More
Maccess is a peer support, advocacy and community centre for students who experience disability, chronic illness, mental health concerns, or inaccessibility.
MSU Student Health Education Centre Learn More
The Student Health Education Centre is a peer-run health advocacy, information and resource connection service for students. SHEC employs a broad definition of the term health, recognizing that well-being looks and feels different to each person.
MSU Women & Gender Equity Network Learn More
The Women & Gender Equity Network is a peer support-driven service that caters to women, trans folk, people who identify outside the gender binary, gender non-conforming folk and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence from all gender identities.
MSU Student Walk Home Attendant Team Learn More
The Student Walk Home Attendant Team is a volunteer service that will walk or bus with users during the evening hours, 7 days a week. No matter the weather, their walkers can walk with you to your destination while providing safety and company.
Student Assistance Plan (Undergraduate Students) Learn More
Psychological counseling (offered in-person, over the phone, or over secure video) and academic-life services (legal consultation, financial consultation, life coaching, nutrition consultation and wellness resources offered virtually or in-person) for McMaster undergraduate students, their roommates and their immediate family members.
Empower Me (Graduate Students) Learn More
24/7 accessible counselling services to empower you to thrive, crisis support, mental health and well-being services.
* While students who have experienced sexual violence are encouraged to contact the SVPRO for disclosure support, complaint intake and reporting options, they can alternatively choose to make a Complaint to an additional intake office.
Staff & Faculty Support
Information Box Group
Human Rights and Dispute Resolution Learn More
Email equity@mcmaster.ca
The Human Rights and Dispute Resolution Program provides consultation on issues related to human rights; acts as an Intake Office for formal complaints of discrimination, harassment or sexual violence; oversees and investigates formal complaints lodged under the University’s Discrimination & Harassment Policy and/or the Sexual Violence Policy; when requested, facilitates resolution of concerns and complaints using alternate dispute resolution practices.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Faculty of Health Sciences Professionalism Office Learn More
Phone (905) 525-9140 ext 22249 or 28639
Email fhsprof@mcmaster.ca
The Faculty of Health Sciences professionalism office has a mandate to address issues including but not limited to harassment, intimidation and discrimination according to the University’s policies.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Employee and Labour Relations Learn More
Email elrintake@mcmaster.ca
The Employee and Labour Relations Team leads in the provision of Human Resources Services in the areas of collective bargaining, collecting agreement administration, labour relations, employee relations and manager training. The team also services as an intake office for concerns raised under the Policy on Discrimination & Harassment as well as the Sexual Violence Policy.
Additional sexual violence intake office*
Domestic or Sexual Violence Leave Learn More
Domestic or sexual violence leave is a job-protected leave of absence. Employees who have been employed by their employer for at least 13 consecutive weeks are entitled to domestic or sexual violence leave if the employee or the employee’s child has experienced or been threatened with domestic or sexual violence
Employee Health Services Learn More
Employee Health Services manages the disability benefits, the return to work process and employment accommodation needs of employees.
Employment and Family Assistance Program Learn More
The Employment and Family Assistance Program offers extended benefits through Homewood Health. Their complete suite of services includes organizational wellness, employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services customized to meet the needs of individuals and organizations.
Security Services Learn More
Security Services is responsible for the protection of persons and property within the McMaster community.
Chaplaincy Centre Learn More
The Chaplaincy Centre helps students, faculty and staff with issues affected by academic, relational, spiritual and practical concerns. The personal support they seek to offer also can lead to a wide variety of programs ranging from prayer to social justice, community connections to self-care of mind, body and spirit, peace-making to awareness-raising.
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC) Learn More
The SCLC is a multicultural network of community leaders and resource groups working in collaboration to provide spiritual care services.
Ombuds Office Learn More
The mandate of the Ombuds Office is to ensure that all students, staff, and faculty are treated in a fair and equitable manner within the institution. To this end, the Office provides independent, impartial and confidential dispute-resolution advice and assistance on University-related issues to all members of the McMaster community, promotes discussion of institution-wide concerns, and makes recommendations for systemic changes as appropriate.
President's Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community Learn More
PACBIC’s mandate is to “identify and anticipate issues affecting equity-seeking communities…both within the University and relevant to those seeking access to the University, and advise the President on such issues“
Steps to Justice Learn More
Steps to Justice gives reliable and practical information on common legal problems, including:
Pride at Work Canada Learn More
Through dialogue, education and thought leadership, Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada empowers Canadian employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Their learning, networking and community events happen across the country, advising, celebrating and connecting the most inclusive Canadian employers.
* While staff and faculty who have experienced sexual violence are encouraged to contact the SVPRO for disclosure support, complaint intake and reporting options, they can alternatively choose to make a Complaint to an additional intake office.
Phone, Text, eChat
Information Box Group
Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton & Area (SACHA) Learn More
Phone (24/7): 905-525-4162
Text (Mon, Thu, Sun 4pm-12am EST; Fri 8am-12pm EST): 289-207-7790
eChat (Mon, Thu, Sun 4pm-12am EST; Fri 8am-12pm EST): https://www.sacha.ca
SACHA is a feminist, non-profit, community-based organization that provides supports to people who have experienced sexualized violence at any point in their lives.
LGBT Youth Line Learn More
Text (Sun-Fri 4pm-9:30pm EST): 647-694-4275
eChat (Sun-Fri 4pm-9:30pm EST): https://www.youthline.ca/
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through telephone, text and chat services.
Male Survivors Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-866-887-0015
The Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse program provides help for male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical.
Assaulted Women's Helpline Learn More
Phone (24/7)
GTA: 416-863-0511
GTA TTY: 416-364-8762
Toll-Free: 1-866-863-0511
Toll-Free TTY: 1-866-863-7868
Text (24/7): #SAFE (#7233)
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all women who have experienced abuse. They provide counselling, emotional support, information and referrals. They recognize abuse as one example of women’s social, political and economic inequality in the world.
Talk4Healing Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-855-554-4325
Crisis Line (24/7): 1-888-200-9997
eChat (24/7): talk4healing.com
Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario.
Ganohkwásra Family Assault Support Services
Phone (24/7): 1-855-554-4325
Gan?hkwásra provides shelter, counselling, and other support for women, men, youth, children, seeking safety from violence.
Fem’aide Francophone Helpline Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-877-336-2433
Fem’aide offre aux femmes d’expression française aux prises avec la violence sexiste, du soutien, des renseignements et de l’aiguillage vers les services appropriés dans leur collectivité 24 heures par jour, sept jours par semaine. Fem’aide peut également répondre aux demandes de renseignements faites par les proches des femmes victimes de violence.
Good2Talk Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-866-925-5454
Text (24/7): text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Good2Talk provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario. Post-secondary students residing and studying in Ontario can access Good2Talk’s free, private phone counselling service in Mandarin.
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support Learn More
Crisis Line (24/7): 905-529-7878
Toll-Free Crisis Line (24/7): 1-844-777-3571
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community for individuals who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis and who do not require a hospital stay.
Hope for Wellness Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-855-242-3310
eChat (24/7): https://www.hopeforwellness.ca
The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Indian Residential School Survivors Crisis Line Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-866-925-4419
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience.
Seniors Safety Line Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-866-299-1011
The Seniors Safety Line (SSL) is the only 24-hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect. Callers receive emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals in over 200 languages.
Trans Lifeline Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-877-330-6366
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots, peer-support crisis hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-888-642-2725 or 613-241-4474 ext. 102
Text (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST): 289-212-0868
Information about sexual and reproductive health, including pregnancy options, and for referrals to clinics and hospitals that provide reproductive health services anywhere in Canada.
Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres Learn More
Local centres across Canada that operate 24/7 support lines, listed by province/territory.
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline Learn More
Phone (24/7): 1-833-900-1010
eChat (24/7): canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
Hamilton
Information Box Group
Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton & Area (SACHA) Counselling Learn More
The Counselling Program offers confidential support services for survivors of sexual violence, 16 years of age and older, who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
- Individual and group counselling
- Immediate support appointments available
- Non-judgmental support that sees survivors as the expert
- Trauma-informed and feminist approach
- Survivor-centered
- Advocacy
Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton & Area (SACHA) Sex-Trafficking Survivor Counselling Learn More
The Sex-Trafficking Survivor Counselling Program offers free individual counselling, group counselling, and advocacy for survivors who have left sex-trafficking at any point in their lives and are 16 years of age and older.
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Care Centre Learn More
If you’ve been sexually assaulted within the last 7 days, whether or not you choose to make a university complaint and/or police report, we encourage you to consider reaching out to the SA/DV Care Centre. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner will provide information on medical assistance options available to you for your immediate physical and mental health needs
.
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara Learn More
La mission du programme contre la violence faite aux femmes et les agressions à caractère sexuel au Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara, offert à toute femme francophone âgée de 16 ans et plus, est de promouvoir son bien-être sans égard à sa race, son origine, sa culture, sa religion, son orientation sexuelle, son âge, son statut socio-économique ou ses limitations fonctionnelles.
Native Women's Centre Learn More
“The Native Women’s Centre provides safe shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law.”
Native Women's Centre Courage for Change Learn More
“CFC is designed to support Indigenous women and girls at risk, or who are currently involved in, or a survivor of human trafficking. CFC focuses specifically on exploited youth to get them the services and tools they need to exit. CFC offers support in a variety of ways, including crisis response, harm reduction and safety planning, 1:1 support with referrals to healthcare, counselling and addiction services.”
Hamilton Police Victim Services Branch Learn More
Victim Services is a Branch of the Hamilton Police Service under the command of the Community Mobilization Division. It is the only 24-hour on scene crisis intervention service for victims of crime and trauma in the City of Hamilton.
Interval House of Hamilton Learn More
Interval House of Hamilton provides emergency shelter, safety planning and support services for women with or without children that have experienced abuse or violence.
Sex Workers' Action Program Learn More
The Sex Workers’ Action Program of Hamilton is a non-partisan group consisting of concerned individuals—including those with lived experience—agencies and groups committed to assisting and supporting those working in the sex trade industry.
Hamilton Trans Health Coalition Learn More
“A non-profit coalition of health care providers, advocates, and community members working to increase the capacity of health systems in Hamilton, Ontario to meet the needs of trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary people.“
speqtrum Learn More
Skill-sharing and meetups for trans and queer young people.
YWCA Hamilton Learn More
YWCA Hamilton strengthens women’s and girls’ voices, broadens their choices, builds dynamic leadership and provides essential and meaningful services that promote safe, inclusive, and equitable communities.
The AIDS Network Learn More
The AIDS Network offers services and support to men, women, children, and families who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, including their Men4Men program, which aims to enhance the lives of gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men by reinforcing self-esteem and personal empowerment through sexual health education and resources
Ontario & Canada
Information Box Group
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Treatment Centres Learn More
The mandate of the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres is to address the health, psycho-social, and forensic needs of victims/survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic violence in a prompt, professional, and compassionate manner.
Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) Learn More
Get free counselling and information on sexual violence from a sexual assault centre in Ontario.
Ontario Independent Legal Advice Learn More
Victims of sexual assault living in Ontario may be eligible for up to four hours of free, confidential legal advice by phone or video. This does not include legal representation in court.
Ontario Victim/Witness Assistance Program Learn More
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is here to help victims and witnesses of violent crimes who may need to go to court. They will talk to you and provide assistance based on your specific case and needs.
Ontario Male Survivors Learn More
The Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse program provides help for male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical.
Fem’aide Francophone Helpline Learn More
Fem’aide offre aux femmes d’expression française aux prises avec la violence sexiste, du soutien, des renseignements et de l’aiguillage vers les services appropriés dans leur collectivité 24 heures par jour, sept jours par semaine. Fem’aide peut également répondre aux demandes de renseignements faites par les proches des femmes victimes de violence.
Domestic or Sexual Violence Leave Learn More
Domestic or sexual violence leave is a job-protected leave of absence. Employees who have been employed by their employer for at least 13 consecutive weeks are entitled to domestic or sexual violence leave if the employee or the employee’s child has experienced or been threatened with domestic or sexual violence.
Steps to Justice Learn More
Steps to Justice gives reliable and practical information on common legal problems, including:
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Services (OAITH) Learn More
The Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses is a coalition of first stage emergency women’s shelters, second stage housing organizations and community-based women organizations who work towards ending violence against all women.
Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario (ASOO) Learn More
The Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario collaborates and supports organizations working towards addressing and ending family violence by providing quality service incorporating traditional beliefs.
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario Learn More
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO) is the provincial organization recognized for its leadership in elder abuse prevention in the province, providing education, training, resource development and information about the increasingly complex issues of elder abuse.
Ontario Women’s Justice Network (OWJN) Learn More
OWJN tries to help survivors of violence and their supporters better understand legal rights in Ontario. They do not give legal advice. The website offers accessible legal information in a way that reflects the diverse experiences and realities of women.
Sexual Health Ontario Learn More
From healthy relationships to healthy behaviours and attitudes, understanding your sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being.
Rainbow Health Ontario Learn More
Rainbow Health Ontario creates opportunities for the healthcare system to better serve LGBT2SQ communities” including a directory of competent and welcoming health and social service providers.
Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres Learn More
A pan-Canadian group of sexual assault centres providing services including counselling and 24/7 support lines.
ShelterSafe Canada Learn More
ShelterSafe.ca is an online resource for women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. The clickable map serves as a quick resource to connect women with the nearest shelter that can offer safety, hope, and support.
CyberTip.ca
Cybertip.ca receives and addresses online and phone reports from the public regarding:
- Child sexual abuse material
- Commercial sexual exploitation of children
- Trafficking of children
- Agreement or arrangement with another person to commit a sexual offence against a child
- Online luring
- Travelling to sexually exploit a child
- Making sexually explicit material available to a child
- Non-consensual distribution of intimate images of individuals under 18
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights Learn More
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights is a progressive, pro-choice charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual health and rights in Canada and globally.
Worksheets & Guides
Information Box Group
Symptoms of Traumatic Stress and Grounding Techniques Learn More
Information on symptoms of traumatic stress, such as flashbacks and nightmares, and grounding techniques to manage these symptoms.
I Want You, But I'm Triggered Learn More
“Finding pleasure when trauma and memory collide”
Hell Yeah Self-Care Learn More
“This zine is all about why self-care is important in difficult times, what kinds of self-care there are, and how you might build them into your life. Different things work for different people so it’s all about figuring out what works best for you.”
Self-Care Assessment Learn More
“In this assessment you will think about how frequently, or how well, you are performing different self-care activities. The goal of this assessment is to help you learn about your self-care needs by spotting patterns and recognizing areas of your life that need more attention.”
Tips for Good Boundaries Learn More
“Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships.” This resource provides effective tips for determining your own personal boundaries.
Setting Boundaries Learn More
“Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships.” Once you’ve established what your boundaries are, this worksheet helps you consider ways to communicate your boundaries in various situations.
Queer Relationships Learn More
“This is a zine offering a set of questions that it can be useful to ask about our relationships whether or not we see ourselves, or our relationships, as queer.”