You can expect to be informed about your rights and any limits to confidentiality at each step of the process. You are not required to file a report with the college in order to access supports.
Confidentiality
Before deciding if you want to file a report, take some time to understand your rights to confidentiality, and related limitations. The college has a responsibility and obligation to ensure that any private and personal information provided is collected, used, maintained and secured appropriately.
There are circumstances in which limits to confidentiality apply. The College will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of all persons involved in the disclosure or report of sexualized violence including the survivor, respondent and witnesses.
All persons participating in the process are also required to maintain confidentiality with respect to the information provided in the course of the disclosure, reporting, assessment and/or investigation of an incident of sexualized violence.
If any of the three conditions are met, complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed:
- An individual is at imminent risk of self-harm;
- An individual is at imminent risk of harming another person;
- There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the College or wider community may be at risk of harm.
Contact the consent [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Confidentiality%20Question) (Student Rights and Responsibilities Office) with any questions you have about confidentiality in the reporting process.
Tips for Reporting
Every survivor has a different experience of reporting, but it is common to feel confused and overwhelmed by the process. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
Know your rights
Confidentiality: you have the right to ask questions about who has access to your report, who is likely to be involved in the reporting or investigation process, and where and how your information is stored.
Information: you have the right to seek information about the reporting and investigation process, to receive updates about progress (as applicable), and to be informed of the outcomes of any investigation for which you have served as a formal complainant.
Boundaries: you have the right to change your mind. If you have initiated a report, and decide you no longer wish to proceed with the reporting or investigation process, you have the right to withdraw your participation.
Take your time
You call the shots. You decide when (and if) you're ready to report. College resources will work around your schedule, and will follow your lead as much as possible. Note that if a risk has been identified to yourself or another member of the college community, the college may be required to take action to minimize this risk.
Bring a support person
It can help to have someone present who knows you, and can provide support and encouragement while you share your story. The college can also provide this support, if you choose.
Write it down
Jot down some of the things you remember about the incident, especially if you're taking some time to think before deciding to file a report. It can help to refer to your own words if you feel overwhelmed, distracted or upset during the meeting. You can also take notes as you're giving your report, and can bring a list of questions to ask your interviewer.
Report to Mohawk College
Disclosure
A disclosure is the act of sharing information in order to receive supports and services, and/or to learn about options for reporting an incident of sexual violence. A disclosure can be made to any trusted member of the college community*, and can be made anonymously if you choose. If you decide to access supports and services, you will be connected to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office for assistance understanding your options and deciding your best course of action.
*Any college employee who has received a disclosure is required to report the information to Mohawk College Security Services, however will not identify the reporting party without their consent. This reporting is required under Section 7.4 of Ontario Regulation 131/16, Sexual Violence at Colleges and Universities under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act. This information is used to assess trends and enhance college initiatives related to support, education and prevention. Identifying information is not included in these reports.
Informal Report
An informal report is an allegation of a violation of the Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Policy, made by a survivor to Security Services (905-575-2003 or email: security [at] mohawkcollege.ca (security[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)). This type of report cannot be made anonymously, and may or may not result in a formal investigation. An informal report results in a risk assessment that identifies relevant supports and services, and may initiate an investigation if a risk to the safety of the survivor and/or the college community is identified.
If you have made an informal report, you have the following rights:
- To have your identity protected to the extent possible
- To be informed of, and referred to relevant supports and services
- To be informed of the findings of the risk assessment
- To choose not to participate in any investigation conducted by the College
- To make a Formal College Report at any time
Formal Report
A formal college report is an allegation of a violation of the Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Policy, made by a survivor to Security Services (905-575-2003 or email: security [at] mohawkcollege.ca (security[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)) in order to initiate an investigation. A formal report may not be made anonymously. The college is obligated to inform respondents (any person(s) alleged to have committed an act of sexual violence) of any allegations made against them. You are able, if you choose, to file a formal report with the college and with your local police service.
If you have made a formal report, you have the following rights:
- To have your identity protected to the extent possible
- To be informed of, and referred to relevant supports and services
- Access to a fair and transparent investigation process
- To withdraw your formal report at any time (note that in circumstances where there is an identified risk, the college may be required to proceed with an investigation without your participation)
Third Party Report
A third party report is the act of sharing information with Security Services by any member of the college community who has witnessed, has knowledge of, or has received a disclosure of sexual violence. Those making third party reports will not identify the survivor without their consent. If you, as the reporter, would like to remain anonymous, you can choose to report by filling out the Anonymous Reporting Tool. However, if you, as the reporter, are not concerned about your anonymity, you may report in person, by email, or by phone to Security Services (905-575-2003 or email: security [at] mohawkcollege.ca (security[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)).
Report to Police
Filing a report with the police refers to the process of reporting a crime (e.g. sexual assault, criminal harassment), and cannot be made anonymously. Upon receiving a report, police may conduct an investigation which may or may not result in criminal charges. The Hamilton Police Service has a unit specifically mandated and trained to investigate sexual assaults, and the Victim Services Branch of the Hamilton Police Service is available to provide information, guidance and support to you throughout the reporting and investigation processes.
How to report to police
If you or someone you know has been sexual assaulted, you can report it by calling 905-546-4925. If you are the survivor of a sexual assault, you can also report the incident online, if the following criteria are met:
- You are not in danger
- The person who assaulted you is not present
- There is no evidence present that may be collected by police (evidence can be collected up to 12 days after the assault has occurred)
- You have access to a private email address, to which the suspect does not have access
If you would like assistance finding the police service in your area, have questions about the reporting process, or would like support making a report, contact the consent [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Assistance%20with%20reporting) (Student Rights and Responsibilities Office).
Witness Information
If you witness, or have information about an incident of sexual violence, we strongly encourage you to report it.
Where to start
- In an emergency, go to a place of safety and call 911
- Contact SV-GBVSupport [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Reporting%20Sexual%20Violence) (SV-GBVSupport[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) for assistance if you are considering making a report, but are unsure of the process and/or your options.
- Contact counselling [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: Counselling%20Appointment) (counselling[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) if you feel you could benefit from personal or emotional support.
- Visit our Get Support page for resources at Mohawk College and in the Hamilton community area