Reporting Options
You have the right to decide whether or not to report sexualized violence.
Making a disclosure without filing a formal report
Making a disclosure means telling someone about an incident of sexualized violence.
- You can disclose to anyone you trust.
- You can disclose an incident of sexualized violence without filing a formal report with the College and still receive support and special accommodations.
- If you choose to disclose to a member of the College community, you are not required to file a report. However, you may choose to file a formal report with the College later.
- You can choose to disclose to someone outside of the College who you trust, such as a professional or community support worker. You can access support and services in your community without involving College of the Rockies.
Submitting a formal report
Submitting a formal report means you want the College to investigate a sexual assault or other form of sexualized violence.
If you do not want to make a formal report, or you haven’t decided, you may contact College of the Rockies to learn more about your options, including how to access supports, services or accommodations. There are no time limits or restrictions for making a formal complaint.
To report an incident, complete the Sexualized Violence Reporting Form and submit to one of the contact persons listed in the table below.
- Students: Submit to the Director of Student Affairs (see table below).
- Employees: Submit to the Human Resources Coordinator, Health & Safety (see table below).
Remember, you can provide as much, or as little information as you choose. There are no time limits or restrictions about making a formal complaint.
| All Students | Direct | Toll Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director of Student Affairs | 250-489-2751 x4999 | 1-877-489-2687 x4999 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Students in Student Housing | |||
| Student Housing Coordinator | 250-489-2751 x3332 | 1-877-489-2687 x3332 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Regional Campuses | |||
| Creston Campus Manager | 250-489-2751 x4101 | 1-877-489-2687 x4101 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Fernie Campus Manager | 250-489-2751 x5101 | 1-877-489-2687 x5101 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Golden Campus Manager | 250-489-2751 x6101 | 1-877-489-2687 x6101 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Invermere Campus Manager | 250-489-2751 x7101 | 1-877-489-2687 x7101 | care@cotr.bc.ca |
| Employees | |||
| Human Resources Advisor | 250-489-2751 x4999 | 1-877-489-2687 x4999 | hrcare@cotr.bc.ca |
- If the College proceeds with an investigation of the incident, we will notify the respondent. While we can’t assure anonymity, we can assure confidentiality.
- You can change your mind or withdraw your report at any point in the process. However, the College may continue to investigate or contact the RCMP or other authorities without your consent if the College determines it:
- has a legal duty to report
- believes there is a significant risk to other people
How to file a report with the RCMP
Reporting to the RCMP
Sexual assault and criminal harassment (stalking) are criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. Making a formal statement or complaint about an incident of sexualized violence to the RCMP may initiate a criminal investigation. If you decide to take this step, consider the following:
- Reporting the incident to the RCMP may result in obtaining a No-Contact or Restraining Order and/or criminal charges being laid against the respondent.
- If you choose to file a report with the RCMP you will also have access to services from Victim’s Services who will provide support through the criminal process.
- It is not guaranteed that the respondent will face charges or be found guilty, even when you know they are.
- The RCMP recognizes that reporting a sexual assault is difficult. They are there to help and support you. In Canada there is no time limit for sexual assault offences. The decision to report to law enforcement is entirely yours.
First Possible Steps
- If you require urgent assistance go to a safe place and call 911 for 24/7 Emergency Service. Help will come to you, wherever you are.
- Contact your local RCMP detachment.
- Go to the hospital. If you are at the hospital or being treated for injuries resulting from a sexual assault, tell a medical professional that you wish to report the crime and the RCMP will be called. You can also choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam.
Third-party reporting
Third-party reporting is a way for someone to anonymously report an incident of sexualized violence.
- In BC, third-party reporting of sexual assault allows adult survivors (19 and over) to access support and to report details of a sexual assault to RCMP anonymously, through a Community Based Victim Services Program (CBVS).
- Third-party reporting is an option of last resort for survivors who would not otherwise provide information to the RCMP. It is not a substitute for a call to 911, nor is it in and of itself a RCMP investigation. (Ending Violence Association of BC)
