Filing an internal sexual violence or misconduct complaint
Concordia offers impartial, confidential and independent services to those with concerns about the behaviour of any member of the Concordia community.
If you have experienced — or witnessed — sexual misconduct/violence and would like to make a complaint, the first step is to consult with Concordia’s Sexual Assault Resource Centre.
If you are in immediate danger and are on campus contact Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717 – option 1.
If you are off campus call 911 or contact the police.
The types of cases we can address
We can intervene in cases that relate to a situation involving Concordia students, faculty or staff that have taken place:
- On campus
- During an on- or off-campus university-sponsored activity or event
- During an activity or event that has a substantive link to Concordia
Complaint options
Every case is unique. When you consult with Concordia’s Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC), staff will:
- Discuss your options
- Guide and support you through the process
- Connect you to the Office of Rights and Responsibilities.
All consultations with SARC and the Office of Rights and Responsibilities are confidential and non-judgmental, and are available to Concordia University students, staff and faculty of all genders and orientations.
There are two complaint options:
- An informal complaint leads to a resolution that is voluntary on both sides and does not result in disciplinary action. An informal complaint may be escalated to a formal complaint.
- A formal complaint involves either an investigation or a hearing, and may result in a disciplinary action.
What to expect when you file a complaint
The process depends on whether the complaint is against a student or a faculty/staff member.
Use the guide below to get a clearer picture of what you can expect during the complaint process.
Step 1
The first step is to consult with Concordia’s Sexual Assault Resource Centre who will connect you with the Office of Rights and Responsibilities to discuss complaint options. All consultations are confidential.
Step 2
Options will be made available to you.
Formal complaint
- Complaint: You will be asked to submit a complaint letter to the Office of Rights and Responsibilities. A student advocate, union representative (if applicable), and/or University member can support you as you write this letter, and throughout the resolution process.
- Investigation: Investigation will be conducted by an internal authority or external investigator depending on the case. The investigator may meet with all parties involved including witnesses as well as consult relevant documentation and subject matter experts.
- Conclusion: The details of the outcome of the investigation cannot be shared due to privacy and confidentiality reasons. In these cases you will be informed when the processes have been carried out. If the complaint is founded, then the appropriate measures will be applied. The range of sanctions includes:
- a letter of concern or warning
- suspension
- dismissal
- Information pertaining to safety concerns can be shared with you. Such information could, for example, include details about the presence, or not, of the respondent in certain buildings at certain times.
Informal complaint
The informal complaint process may involve:
- Mediation
- 3rd party facilitation (shuttle diplomacy)
- No-contact agreements
- Settlement agreements (can include sensitization training, community service, an apology, etc.)
- Other measures
Step 1
The first step is to consult with Concordia’s Sexual Assault Resource Centre who will connect you with the Office of Rights and Responsibilities to discuss complaint options. All consultations are confidential.
Step 2
Options will be made available to you.
Formal complaint
- Complaint: You will be asked to submit a complaint letter to the Office of Rights and Responsibilities. A student advocate, union representative (if applicable), and/or University member can support you as you write this letter, and throughout the resolution process.
- Hearing: The complaint will be heard by a panel trained extensively on matters pertaining to sexual violence. In certain cases, there are alternatives to participating in a face-to-face hearing such as participating via Skype, or providing video testimony.
- Conclusion: A decision will be made available to both parties. The standard of proof in a hearing is a “preponderance of evidence”. This means that the Complainant must establish that their version of the facts is significantly more probable than the alternatives. This standard is less rigorous than the standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” required under criminal law.
- Appeal: Either party may request authorization to appeal following the decision
- If the complaint is upheld, sanctions may include:
- written reprimand
- restricted access conditions
- payment as compensation
- community service at the university or elsewhere
- a fine
- recommendation of suspension
- recommendation of expulsion
Informal complaint
The informal complaint process may involve:
- Mediation
- 3rd party facilitation (shuttle diplomacy)
- No-contact agreements
- Settlement agreements (can include sensitization training, community service, an apology, etc.)
- Other measures