Disclosures & Reports

At Capilano University, we offer support for all survivors of sexual violence. Survivors may choose to disclose the incident to receive support and/or report the incident for investigation.

What is a disclosure?

A disclosure is the sharing of information regarding an experience of sexual violence for the purpose of receiving support.

Students can disclose to anyone they trust, but are encouraged to disclose to a Student Support Advisor at Student Affairs – who can offer specialized support – by emailing disclosures@capilanou.ca.

Students can disclose without making a report.

How to respond to a disclosure

The response a person receives when they first disclose an experience of sexual violence can have an impact on their well-being and willingness to access more support.

If you receive a disclosure from a CapU community member, the best way to respond is:

• Listen with empathy and non-judgment;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Believe them – people are the experts of their experiences;
• Mirror their language – refrain from labelling their experiences;
• Refer them to support and resources when they are ready;
• Respect their consent and agency – do not disclose on their behalf, convince them to report or not to report, or share their complaint with others.

With their consent, you can refer a student to disclosures@capilanou.ca, and a Student Support Advisor can meet with them in person or virtually or connect via text or phone.

If you know someone who has been affected by sexual violence but is unsure of what support services and resources are available to them, you can contact a Student Support Advisor at Student Affairs for information and advice.

If someone affected by sexual violence chooses not to access support resources, that is their choice. There is no timeline or right way to access support.

What is a report?

A formal report of a sexual violence incident can be made to initiate an investigation. This is not the same as making a police report.

Formal reports may include the choice to pursue an alternative resolution, such as restorative or transformative justice.

Connect with a Student Support Advisor for information about reporting options: disclosures@capilanou.ca.

Things to know about reporting

• You do not have to make a formal report to receive support and academic accommodations.
• You can make a report at any time if you are a current or former student of the University community.
• A formal report through the University is not connected to law enforcement or the justice system, but survivors can be supported in pursuing that option.
• Survivors will be provided all the information they need about the various reporting options to support their decision.
• The University can provide various interim safety measures during the reporting and investigation process to support the safety needs of those involved.
  
  These could include:
  • arranging CapU SafeWalk services for the complainant;
  • making plans to minimize interactions between the complainant and the respondent;
  • arranging alternative attendance options for the respondent to minimize interactions with the complainant (if possible); or
  • restricting the respondent’s access to certain campus areas, or offering alternative access options.
• Members of the University community have the right to withdraw a report at any time.

Sexual violence support

Exit Site