Scope
Sexual misconduct can occur between individuals of any gender identity and/or sexual orientation without a person’s consent, and/or when the person is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation, unconsciousness, or a drug-induced state.
We encourage all members of the Polytechnic community to report instances of sexual misconduct. All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated.
Confidentiality
The Polytechnic’s primary concern is ensuring the safety of students and providing access to resources. We will strive to ensure that high standards of confidentiality are maintained.
However, the Polytechnic needs to balance requests for confidentiality with our institutional responsibility of ensuring a safe educational environment. We will communicate with the parties involved in the event that any information needs to be shared.
Classification of Sexual Misconduct
| Descriptor | Examples* |
|---|---|
| Severe or Aggravated Sexual Misconduct | |
| Sexual Exploitation | |
| Sexual Harrasment | |
| Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct |
*The list of examples shown is not meant to be exhaustive.
Any aggravating factors (e.g. abuse of authority to commit the sexual misconduct) will be taken into account in determining the severity of offence.
Consent
Consent refers to a voluntary, informed choice and giving of permission by a person with legal capacity.
Consent cannot be obtained by improper detention, force, threat, manipulation or any form of pressure, or when a person is incapacitated.
Silence or a tentative response (e.g. “maybe”) or the absence of resistance or protest does not imply Consent.