Policy #3: Sexual Misconduct

3.1 Purpose

CiiAT – The Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy is committed to the prevention of and appropriate response to sexual misconduct.

• Sexual misconduct refers to a spectrum of non-consensual sexual contact and behaviour including the following:
  • sexual assault;
  • sexual exploitation;
  • sexual harassment;
  •  stalking;
  • indecent exposure;
  •  voyeurism;
  • the distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more persons other than the person in the photograph or video without the consent of the person in the photograph or video and with the intent to distress the person in the photograph or video;
  • the attempt to commit an act of sexual misconduct; and
  • the threat to commit an act of sexual misconduct.

3.2 Sexual Misconduct Complaint or Report

A Complaint of sexual misconduct is different than a Report of sexual misconduct. A Complaint is when the victim/survivor discloses or chooses to tell someone at the Institution of an incident of sexual misconduct in order to seek support, but may not want to make a formal report to police or the institution. A Report is a formal notification of an incident of sexual misconduct to someone at the institution accompanied by a request for action. A Report does not have to be made by the victim/survivor.

• A student making a Complaint will be provided with resolution options and, if appropriate, accommodation, and will not be required or pressured to make a Report.
• The process for making a Complaint about sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
  • The individual will make contact by whatever method they feel most comfortable with, including by phone, email, or in-person communication, with the institution representative, Michelle Winkel.
    • Michelle Winkel | Clinical Director | 250-419-7614 | [email protected]
  • If Michelle is absent or is named in the Complaint, the individual can instead reach out to Laurie Ness Gordon.
    • Laurie Ness Gordon | Program Advisory Committee Member | 1-647-202-6044 | [email protected]
  • The individual will then be asked if they would like to make a formal complaint in the form of a Report.
  • Any records of Complaints will be kept on file in personnel files.
• The process for responding to a Complaint of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
  • The Institution will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 5 business days.
  • The individual will be asked if they would like to make a formal report.
• The process for making a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
  • The individual will make contact by whatever method they feel most comfortable with, including by phone, email, or in-person communication, with the institution representative, Michelle Winkel.
    • Michelle Winkel | Clinical Director | 250-419-7614 | [email protected]
  • If Michelle is absent or is named in the report, the individual can instead reach out to Laurie Ness Gordon.
    • Laurie Ness Gordon | Program Advisory Committee Member | 1-647-202-6044 | [email protected]
  • The representative will explain that they will listen carefully to what the individual has to say and take notes in the form of an incident report as a record. Together, the individual and the representative will complete the incident report, including the written statement and the request for action. The individual may also choose to complete the incident form alone.
  • The incident report will determine the action taken, and the report will be filed in personnel files.
• The process for responding to a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
  • Institution will review the Report within a reasonable timeframe and confirm next steps in writing.
• In all instances the Institution will:
  • Ensure the safety of the victim/survivor.
  • As appropriate, provide emergency numbers for law enforcement, medical assistance, mental health services, and other services.
  • Respect the right of the individual to choose the services they consider most appropriate.
• It is contrary to this policy for an institution to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate in relation to a Complaint or a Report.
• Any processes undertaken pursuant to this policy will be based on the principles of administrative fairness. All parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect.
• All information related to a Complaint or Report is confidential and will not be shared without the written consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:
  • If an individual is at imminent risk of severe or life-threatening self-harm.
  • If an individual is at imminent risk of harming another.
  • There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the institutional community may be at significant risk of harm based on the information provided.
  • Where reporting is required by law.
  • Where it is necessary to ensure procedural fairness in an investigation or other response to a Complaint or Report.