
IT'S NEVER OKAY
1. Purpose and Commitment
Canadian International Career College (CICC) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive learning and working environment. Sexual violence, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and gender-based discrimination, will not be tolerated. This policy outlines our commitment to prevention, education, support, and response measures to ensure all members of our community can study and work free from sexual violence.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors engaged in school-related activities, both on and off campus, including online interactions. It covers incidents that occur:
-
On school premises,
-
At school-sponsored events or activities,
-
Through digital communications involving members of the school community.
3. Definitions
-
Sexual Violence: Any sexual act, or act targeting a person's sexuality, gender identity, or expression, that is committed, threatened, or attempted without consent. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and cyber sexual violence.
-
Consent: A voluntary, affirmative, conscious, and ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent cannot be obtained through coercion, threats, intimidation, or if a person is incapacitated due to drugs, alcohol, or any other condition.
-
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's education or work, including unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and inappropriate comments.
-
Disclosure: Sharing an experience of sexual violence with a trusted individual for support and guidance without necessarily initiating a formal complaint.
-
Report: A formal notification to the school regarding an incident of sexual violence with the intent to initiate an investigation.
-
Complainant: An individual who has disclosed or reported experiencing sexual violence.
-
Respondent: An individual against whom an allegation of sexual violence has been made.
4. Know Your Rights
All members of the CICC community have a right to work, study, and socialize in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence, including (but not limited to) sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, and/or voyeurism.
Sexual assault and sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are committed to challenging and preventing sexual violence and creating a safe space for all members of our school community. This policy serves as a clear directive outlining the rights and responsibilities of all members regarding sexual violence prevention and response.
5. If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
-
You are not alone and you are not to blame.
-
Stay safe. Contact Security Services or Police if you are concerned about your safety.
-
Consider reporting. Help protect yourself and others by reporting incidents to Security Services or Police.
-
Consider support. Confidential help is available through Counselling Services and the National Sexual Assault Helpline. Additional support resources are available.
-
Consider medical attention. Health Services and community hospitals can assess and treat injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy – as well as collect key evidence.
-
No disciplinary action will be taken against students reporting in good faith who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
6. Prevention and Education
-
The school will provide mandatory training on sexual violence prevention, consent, and bystander intervention for students and staff.
-
Awareness campaigns will be conducted regularly to inform the community about policies, available resources, and reporting procedures.
-
The school will collaborate with external organizations specializing in sexual violence prevention and survivor support.
7. Support and Resources
-
The school will offer confidential support services, including counseling, academic accommodations, and safety planning, for those affected by sexual violence.
-
Survivors will not be required to file a formal report to access support services.
-
Information on medical, legal, and psychological support services will be made readily available.
8. Reporting and Response
-
Individuals may choose to disclose sexual violence to a trusted faculty or staff member, who will provide support and guidance on next steps.
-
Individuals may report incidents formally through designated offices (e.g., school administration, security, or a Title IX coordinator where applicable).
-
Reports can be made in person, through email, or via an online reporting system.
-
The school will respect the complainant’s choice regarding whether to pursue an investigation unless there is a risk to community safety.
9. Investigation and Resolution Process
-
Upon receiving a formal report, an impartial investigator will be assigned.
-
Both the complainant and respondent will have equal opportunity to present information.
-
The investigation will be conducted promptly and fairly, respecting the rights and privacy of all parties.
-
If the policy is violated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, including possible suspension, expulsion, or termination.
-
Investigations will not include irrelevant questions related to the complainant's past sexual history or sexual expression.
10. Confidentiality and Privacy
-
The school will keep all reports of sexual violence confidential, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect community safety.
-
Complainants and respondents will be informed of any actions taken as a result of an investigation.
11. Non-Retaliation
-
Retaliation against individuals who disclose, report, or participate in an investigation of sexual violence is strictly prohibited.
-
Any acts of retaliation will result in disciplinary action.
12. Review and Accountability
-
This policy will be reviewed every three years in consultation with students, staff, and faculty.
-
The school will publish an annual report summarizing anonymized data on reports of sexual violence and measures taken.
13. Contact Information
For reporting incidents, accessing support, or learning more about this policy, contact: Canadian International Career College (CICC) Phone: 416-303-3848 Email: cdimaapi@ciccsite.com