Harassment and Sexual Violence
It’s Never Okay: A Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment
Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy and Protocol
Category: Administrative
Approval Authority: The Director
Date of Original Policy Approval: 2015-08-08
Last Reviewed: 2022-01-17
Mandatory Review Date: 2022-03-1
Definition:
Sexual Violence and Harassment
Description:
Sexual violence: Any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identify or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation.
Harassment: Harassment is a form of discrimination. It involves any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that persists over time. Serious one-time incidents can also sometimes be considered harassment.
Policy:
Sexual assault and harassment in all its forms are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at The Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design. All reported incidents of sexual violence will be appropriately investigated to the best of the administration’s ability and in a manner that is fair and equitable. Sexual violence and harassment is pervasive and affects most members of society, directly or indirectly, and has significant social and individual consequences. Sexual violence can occur between individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression or relationship status as articulated in the Ontario Human Rights Code.
We are committed to challenging and preventing sexual violence by: creating a safe space for anyone who has been affected by sexual violence and, in keeping with our core value by raising awareness of sexual and gender violence as a social problem. The Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design is committed to creating a safe and positive space where all members and Students feel able to work, learn and express themselves in an environment free from sexual and gender-based violence.
In accordance with the Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy of the Private Career Colleges Act 2005, this policy will be reviewed and amended as necessary at least once every three years and shall ensure that student input is considered. Furthermore, in accordance with the Act, the Academy will collect data and other information relating to the following and report it to the superintendent concerning:
-The number of times support services and accommodation relating to sexual violence were requested and obtained by students.
-Information about the support services and accommodation.
-Any initiatives and programs established byThe Academy to promote awareness of the supports and services available to students.
-The number of incidences and complaints and the implementation and effectiveness of this policy.
The Academy will take the necessary measures to ensure information provided to the Ministry does not disclose personal information with the meaning of section 38 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
We are committed to:
Assisting those who have been affected by sexual violence by providing choices, including detailed information and support, such as provision of and/or referral to counselling and medical care, information about legal options, and appropriate academic and other accommodation.
Ensuring that those who disclose that they have been sexually assaulted are believed, and that their right to dignity and respect is protected throughout the process of disclosure, investigation and institutional response.
Addressing harmful attitudes and behaviours that reinforce that a person who is affected by sexual violence is somehow to blame for what happened.
Treating individuals who disclose sexual violence with compassion, recognizing that they are the final decision-makers about their own best interests.
Ensuring that investigation procedures are available in the case of sexual violence, even when the individual chooses not to make a report to the police.
Engaging in appropriate procedures for investigation and adjudication of a complaint which are in accordance with Academy policies, standards and applicable collective agreements, and that ensure fairness and due process.
Engaging in public education and prevention activities. Providing appropriate education and training to the Academy about responding to the disclosure of sexual violence.
Contributing to the atmosphere in which sexual violence is not tolerated.
Monitoring and updating our policies and protocols to ensure that they remain effective and in-line with other existing policies and best practice.
Principles governing this Policy and action taken
Students or staff who have been affected by sexual violence are encouraged to come forward to report as soon as they are able to do so to the Director or Assistant Director of the Academy.
Immediate action shall be taken to respond to or to prevent sexual violence from occurring, and make the appropriate referral to Director or the Assistant Director of the Academy.
The Academy will ensure that each student is met with individually to read, understand and sign the Policy set out.
Where the Academy becomes aware, or should be reasonably aware, of incidents of sexual violence by a member of the Academy or against a member of the Academy, which occur on or off of Academy property and that pose a risk to the safety of members of the Academy, the Academy shall take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe environment and ensure corrective action is taken.
The Academy will ensure posters are visible in each classroom and all central areas.
Complaint Process and Investigations:
A complaint of sexual violence and harassment can be filed under this Policy.
If students, in good faith, report an incident of, or make a complaint about, sexual violence, they will not be subject to discipline or sanctions for violations of the private career college’s policies relating to drug or alcohol use at the time the alleged sexual violence occurred;
Students who disclose their experience of sexual violence through reporting an incident of, making a complaint about, or accessing supports and services for sexual violence, will not be asked irrelevant questions during the investigation process by the private career college’s staff or investigators, including irrelevant questions relating to the student’s sexual expression or past sexual history.
The Academy will seek to achieve procedural fairness in dealing with all complaints. As such, no sanction and/or disciplinary action will be taken against a person or group without their knowledge where there is an alleged breach of this Policy.
Respondents will be given reasonable notice, with full detail of the allegations, and provided with an opportunity to answer to the allegations made against them.
Right to Withdraw a Complaint
A complainant has the right to withdraw a complaint at any stage of the process. However, the Academy may continue to act on the issue identified in the complaint in order to comply with its obligation under this Policy and/or its legal obligations.
Not reporting an incident
A complainant is not required to report an incident, or make a complaint in order to obtain the supports, services and accommodations referred to in this policy.
Protection from Reprisals, Retaliation or Threats
It is contrary to this Policy for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against a complainant or other individual for:
Having pursued their rights under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Having participated or co-operated in an investigation under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Having been associated with someone who has pursued their rights under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Student Input Process:
The Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design is committed to receiving student input about this policy and the protocol established under this policy in addressing complaints of sexual violence and harassment in providing services and supports to those affected by sexual violence and harassment. Students may provide input to the Director of the Academy.
Procedures:
If you have experienced or have been affected by sexual violence or harassment go to a safe place.
Find a trusted friend or colleague or speak with your Director of the Academy or Call the Ottawa Police Services Division closest to you.
Ottawa SASC - Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
613-234-2266
613-725-2160
Ottawa RCC - Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
613-562-2333
613-562-2334
Pour le support francophone aux femmes survivores d’agression sexuelle: CALACS (Francophone Sexual Assault Centres) in Ontario.
Centre Novas : Centre francophone d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel de Prescott- Russell
www.centrenovas.ca
C.P. 410
Casselman (ON) K0A 1M0 613 764-5700
1 866 772-9922 poste 221 administration@centrenovas.ca
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse: 1-866-887-0015
LGBTQ Youthline: 1-800-268-9688
* Updated January 2022