Here is the step-by-step process of reporting incidents of sexual violence.
Reporting is not mandatory to receive support for sexual violence. Support and resources are available to anyone who makes a disclosure.
However, if you are a student and have chosen to report an incident of sexual violence, you can expect the following steps.
You can also download our Sexual Violence Reporting Process Infographic (pdf).
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Reaching out
Confidentially disclose to access trauma-informed, specialized supports by emailing disclosures@capilanou.ca or by calling 604 986 1911, ext. 3046 to connect with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) at Student Affairs.
SSAs can explore your support needs, provide on-campus and off-campus support resources, and inform you about reporting options.
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Make a report
If you choose to make a report it can be informal or formal.
If you believe the harmful behaviour you experienced can be stopped/changed through a restorative conversation with the student alleged to have caused harm, you may choose to make an informal report with the help of a facilitator such as a SSA or a Student Rights and Responsibilities Advisor (SRRA).
Other alternative resolutions may also be explored.
Formal reports are often used for severe allegations or safety concerns that fall under CapU’s Sexual Violence Policy.
If you choose to make a formal report, you will be referred to the SRRA, who will evaluate whether or not the incident falls under the scope of the University's B.401 Sexual Violence Policy (pdf).
A sexual violence report does not go into a student's permanent record and does not affect your ability to study, work and live in Canada.
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Participate in the investigation and resolution process
The menus below outline the possible outcomes of the investigation and resolution process, along with information about the respondent's participation in it.
A facilitator will meet with you to discuss informal resolution options. This may involve having a facilitator connect with the student who caused harm.
You can choose whether or not to participate in this restorative conversation. The meeting will conclude with a set of changed behaviours agreed upon by both parties.
Other, more anonymous resolutions can also be explored.
If there is a potential policy violation, a formal investigation will follow, with your consent. The goal of the formal investigation is to establish facts and determine fault.
Interim measures may be imposed prior to the completion of the investigation for the safety of the individuals involved.
The investigation is typically conducted by the SRRA in a confidential and trauma/violence-informed manner. The investigation process can take up to two or three months, depending on the complexity of the case, as well as the complainant, respondent and witness availability.
In cases where more time is required, both the complainant and respondent will be informed.
The SRRA will meet separately with the respondent to share the details of the report, hear their response, go over interim measures (if any) and provide support options.
A summary of the meeting with the respondent will be added to the report. Breaking the interim measures or confidentiality of the investigation can lead to punitive measures.
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Receive the outcome
Based on the findings of the investigation, if the incident of sexual violence is more likely than not to have occurred - otherwise known as "on the balance of probabilities" - a decision will be made by the Manager, Student Affairs or the Associate Vice President, Student Success and communicated to both parties.
Both parties have the right to appeal, if they wish.
The outcome of the investigation is confidential and is not shared with anyone external to the investigation process.
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Maintain privacy and confidentiality
All parties participating in the investigation are expected to maintain confidentiality and privacy throughout the investigation process.
Breaking this expectation may lead to consequences.
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Have a question?
For general inquiries and guidance on the sexual violence reporting process, contact the SRRA at studentconduct@capilanou.ca.