Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
Reviewed and Amended – July 9, 2025
Toronto Health School
Arthur Villacete
President & CEO
torontohealthschool@gmail.com
1. Policy, Application and Scope
Toronto Health School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment that is free from sexual violence and harassment. This zero-tolerance policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, contractors, and visitors, and governs conduct occurring:
▪ On campus or school property
▪ At school-sponsored events or activities (on- or off-site)
▪ In virtual environments connected to the institution
▪ In any situation that may impact a student’s learning experience
Students and employees have the right to be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and to access support. The school ensures:
▪ All disclosures and complaints are handled confidentially, fairly, and with a trauma-informed approach
▪ Students are not required to file a formal complaint to receive support
▪ No one will be asked irrelevant questions, including about sexual history or expression
▪ Amnesty applies for students reporting incidents in good faith who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
This policy is reviewed at least every three years, or sooner if required by legal or institutional changes.
2. Definition
To ensure clarity and consistency, Toronto Health School adopts the following definitions based on Ontario legislation:
▪ Sexual Violence: Any non-consensual sexual act or conduct targeting someone’s sexuality, gender identity, or expression, including assault, harassment, voyeurism, stalking, indecent exposure, and exploitation.
▪ Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual attention or behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.
▪ Consent: Voluntary, informed, ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent cannot be given when under duress,
intoxicated, unconscious, or otherwise impaired.
▪ Disclosure: Sharing details about an experience of sexual violence without seeking a formal investigation.
▪ Report: A formal complaint made to initiate an investigation or resolution process.
▪ Complainant: The person who discloses or reports an experience of sexual violence.
▪ Respondent: The person alleged to have committed the sexual violence.
3. Commitments:
▪ The policy is distributed to all students upon enrollment and is available on the school website and in print upon request.
▪ Staff and faculty are trained to recognize and respond to sexual violence.
▪ The school is committed to confidentiality, fairness, and support for all parties involved.
4. Training and Response
Mandatory training is provided to students, staff, faculty, and contractors and includes:
▪ Identifying, responding to, and reporting sexual violence
▪ Understanding available supports and accommodations
▪ Bystander awareness and prevention strategies
Anyone who witnesses or suspects sexual violence involving students or staff must report it to the School Director.
Students needing support may contact the Director of Operations or designated Response Advisor (see Appendix 2).
Formal complaints are not required to access services.
The school maintains confidentiality and may initiate an investigation if there is a safety risk.
5. Reporting and Confidentiality
Toronto Health School supports individuals in reporting or disclosing incidents without fear of retaliation or judgment.
Key elements include:
▪ Reports can be made to the School Director or Director of Operations, in person, in writing, or anonymously
▪ Anonymous disclosures are accepted but may limit investigatory response
▪ Support is available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed
▪ All reports are handled confidentially and stored in secure, separate records
Amnesty Clause
Students who disclose or report sexual violence in good faith will not be subject to discipline for violations of the school’s alcohol or drug policies at the time of the incident.
Supportive Response
▪ Disclosures are received without judgment
▪ Assistance is offered for medical care, counseling, and academic accommodations
▪ The school may be required to notify authorities or proceed with an internal investigation if there is imminent risk
6. Procedural Fairness
Toronto Health School is committed to addressing complaints of sexual violence and sexual harassment fairly, promptly, and in a manner that minimizes re-traumatization for individuals who have experienced harm.
Students have the right to:
▪ Decline to participate in any investigation
▪ Be accompanied by a support person at every stage
▪ Access supports and accommodations regardless of complaint status
Investigations follow these commitments:
▪ Prompt initiation and regular updates to both parties
▪ Confidential management of all records
▪ Equal access to on- and off-campus resources
Protection from Irrelevant Questions
Complainants will not be asked inappropriate questions, including those about past sexual behavior or expression.
7. Investigating Reports of Sexual Violence and Harassment
Upon receiving a formal complaint, the Director of Operations will:
▪ Determine whether the investigation should proceed
▪ Confirm complainant participation and assess interim safety measures
▪ Decide whether the incident requires police notification
▪ Implement temporary actions (e.g., class separation, restricted access)
Investigation Process
1. Both parties may have a support person present
2. The Complainant is interviewed to collect all relevant details
3. The Respondent is informed, allowed to respond, and suggest witnesses
4. Witnesses are interviewed as appropriate
5. Updates are provided to both parties
6. The Director of Operations compiles findings
7. The President reviews the evidence and determines:
▪ Whether sexual violence occurred
▪ What disciplinary or corrective measures are appropriate
8. Disciplinary Measures
If, following an investigation, it is determined that a student, staff member, or contractor has engaged in sexual violence or harassment, Toronto Health School will take immediate and appropriate disciplinary or corrective action. These measures will be proportionate to the severity of the conduct and may include, but are not limited to:
▪ Termination of employment for instructors, staff, or contractors
▪ Suspension or expulsion of a student
▪ Restrictions on the respondent’s access to specific facilities, services, or activities
▪ Other remedial actions deemed appropriate based on the circumstances
All decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness and the findings of the investigation.
9. Appeal
If either the Complainant or the Respondent disagrees with the outcome of an investigation, they may submit a written appeal to the President of Toronto Health School within 10 business days of receiving the decision. The appeal must include:
▪ The appellant’s name
▪ A clear statement of the grounds for appeal (e.g., procedural error, new evidence, or disproportionate disciplinary action)
▪ Any supporting documentation
The President will review the appeal and determine whether to uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. The outcome of the appeal will be communicated in writing to both parties.
Legal Proceedings
If criminal or civil proceedings are initiated, the school will cooperate with relevant authorities while maintaining its right to conduct its own internal investigation.
10. Making False Statements
Knowingly making a false complaint or intentionally misleading during an investigation is a violation of this policy and may result in:
▪ Employment termination (staff, contractors)
▪ Suspension or expulsion (students)
▪ Other appropriate measures based on the circumstances
This does not apply to complaints made in good faith, even if the outcome does not result in a finding of misconduct.
11. Reprisal
Retaliation against anyone who reports, discloses, participates in, or provides evidence in relation to a sexual violence matter is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary actions including termination or expulsion. These protections apply regardless of the complaint outcome.
12. Policy Review
Toronto Health School will review this policy at least once every three years, or earlier if required by legislation. Student feedback will be considered, and the policy will be approved by the school’s governing body.
Last amended: July 15, 2025
13. Collection of Student Data
In compliance with the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, Toronto Health School will:
▪ Track and report incidents and complaints involving students upon request by the Superintendent of Career Colleges
▪ Participate in sector-wide surveys or studies on sexual violence
▪ Ensure data is reported in a way that protects individual privacy and confidentiality
14. Resources
Good 2 Talk Post-Secondary Helpline (24/7): 1-866-925-5454
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre: Multicultural Women Against Rape
Crisis line: 416-597-8808
Office line: 416-597-1174
Crisis email: crisis@trccmwar.ca
Office email: info@trccmwar.ca
Website: www. trccmwar.ca
The following are a list of resources to access for help and support:
Appendix 1
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
GTA (English): 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511 | TTY: 1-866-863-7868
#SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido, or Telus mobile phone}
FEM’AIDE (French): 1-877-336-2433 or 1-866-860-7082 (ATS)
www.femaide.ca
Office: 416-364-4144 or 1-888-364-1210
info@awhl.org
www.awhl.org
Alliston, Barrie, Collingwood, Midland, Orillia and Simcoe County
Huronia Transition Homes
Crisis: 1-800-461-1750 (North Simcoe) or 1-800-987-0799 (South Simcoe) or (text) 705-999-0012
Office: 705-526-3221 (Phone) or 705-999-0012 (Mobile) or 1-800-987-0799 (Toll Free)
admin@rosewood.on.ca
www.huroniatransitionhomes.ca
Huronia Transition Homes: La Maison Rosewood Shelter
Crisis: 705-526-4211 or 1-800-461-1750
Huronia Transition Homes: Athena’s Sexual Assault Counselling & Advocacy Centre
Appointment: 705-737-2884
Belleville
Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District
Crisis Toll-Free: 1-877-544-6424 | Office: 613-967-6300
sacqd@sacqd.com
www.sacqd.com
Bracebridge
Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services
Crisis: 1-800-461-2929 | Office: 705-646-2122 or 1-877-406-1268
info@mpssas.com
www.mpssas.org
Brantford
Sexual Assault Centre of Brant
Crisis: 519-751-3471 | Office: 519-751-1164
sexualassaultcentre@sacbrant.ca
www.sacbrant.ca
Brockville
Assault Response & Care Centre
Office: 613-345-3881 or 1-800-567-7415
bgharcc@brockvillegeneralhospital.ca
www.arc-c.ca
Chatham
Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
Crisis: 519-354-8688 | (French) 519-858-0954 or 1-888-858-0954 | Office: 519-354-8908
cksacc@cksacc.org
www.cksacc.org
Cornwall
Sexual Assault Support Services for Women
Crisis: 1-877-544-6424 (English) or 1-877-336-2433 (French) | Office: 613-932-1755
admin@sassforwomen.ca
www.sassforwomen.ca
Durham Region
Durham Rape Crisis Centre
Crisis: 905-668-9200 or 866-905-1919 | Office: 905-444-9672
info@drcc.ca
www.drcc.ca
Eganville
Women’s Sexual Assault Centre (Renfrew County)
Crisis: 1-800-663-3060 | Office: 613-735-5551
info@rcsac.org
www.rcsac.org
Guelph
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Crisis: 519-836-5710 or 1-800-265-7233 | Office: 519-836-1110
adminsac@gwwomenincrisis.org
www.gwwomenincrisis.org
Hamilton
Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area)
Crisis: 905-525-4162 | Office: 905-525-4573
www.sacha.ca
Kenora
Kenora Sexual Assault Centre
Crisis: 807-468-7233 or 1-800-565-6161 | Office: 807-468-7958
www.kenorasexualassaultcentre.ca
Kingston
Sexual Assault Centre Kingston
Crisis: 613-544-6424 or 1-877-544-6424 | Office: 613-545-0762
sack@sackingston.com
www.sackingston.com
Kitchener-Waterloo
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Crisis: 519-741-8633 | Office: 519-571-0121
info@sascwr.org
www.sascwr.org
London
Sexual Assault Centre London
Crisis: 519-642-3000 or 1-877-529-2272 | (French) 1-877-336-2433
Office: 519-439-0844 ext. 2221
sacl@sacl.ca
www.sacl.ca
London Abused Women’s Centre
Crisis & Office: 519-432-2204 | (French) Fem’aide: 1-877-336-2433
info@lawc.on.ca
www.lawc.on.ca
Newmarket
Women’s Support Network of York Region
Crisis: 905-895-7313 or 1-800-263-6734 or (text) 647-694-2818 | Office: 905-895-3646
info@womensupportnetwork.ca
www.womenssupportnetwork.ca
North Bay
Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre
24/H Sexual Violence Help Line: 705-476-3355
Fem’Aide 24/H French Help Line: 1-877-336-2433
Office: 705-840-2403
info@ameliarising.ca
www.ameliarising.ca
Oakville
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton
Crisis: 905-875-1555 | Office: 905-825-3622
savis@savisofhalton.org
www.savisofhalton.org
Orangeville
Family Transition Place
Crisis: 1-800-265-9178 or (text) 519-278-5410 or 519-941-HELP (4357) or 905-584-HELP (4357)
Office: 519-942-4122
support@familytransitionplace.ca
www.familytransitionplace.ca
Ottawa
Sexual Assault Support Centre
Crisis: 613-234-2266 | Office: 613-725-2160
info@sascottawa.com
www.sascottawa.com
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
Crisis: 613-562-2333 | Office: 613-562-2334
orcc@orcc.net
www.orcc.net
Peel Region
REVIVE (Formally Hope 24/7) (Alternate Name: Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel)”
Crisis & Office: 905-792-0821
info@revivepeel.com
www.revivehere.com
Peterborough &Kawarthas
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Crisis: 705-741-0260 or 1-866-298-7778 | Office: 705-748-5901
info@KawarthaSAC.ca
www.kawarthasexualassaultcentre.com
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton
Crisis: 1-800-461-7656 or (text) 705-991-0110
Peterborough Office: 705-743-3526 | info@ywcapeterborough.org
Women’s Centre of Haliburton County: 705-286-1942 | ywcahal@ywcapeterborough.org
www.ywcapeterborough.org
Sault Ste Marie
Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc.
Crisis: 705-759-1230 or 1-877-759-1230
info@wicalgoma.com
www.womenincrisis.ca
Sarnia-Lambton
Sexual Assault Survivors Centre Sarnia-Lambton
Crisis: 519-337-3320 or 1-888-231-0536 | Office: 519-337-3154
www.thecentresarnia.ca
Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Service
Crisis: 1-800-265-8076 | Office: 519-805-8188
(Business) hnws@hnws.on.ca | (Support) residential@hnws.on.ca
www.hnws.on.ca
St. Catherines
Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre
Crisis: (905) 682-4584 | Office: (905) 682-7258
carsa@sexualassaultniagara.org
www.niagarasexualassaultcentre.com
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Crisis: 807-346-8282 or 1-888-269-3100
Assaulted Women’s Help Line: 1-866-863-0511
Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051
tbrhsc@tbh.net
www.tbrhsc.net
Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SA/DV TC)
Assault or general questions: 807-684-6751
Timmins and Area Women in Crisis
Crisis: 1-877-268-8380 | Sexual Assault Centre: 1-705-268-8380 | Shelter: 1-705-264-7233
Office: 705-268-8381
info@tawc.ca
www.tawc.ca
Toronto
Oasis Centre des Femmes
Phone: 416-591-6565
services@oasisfemmes.org | administration@oasisfemmes.org
www.oasisfemmes.org
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre: Multicultural Women Against Rape
Crisis: 416-597-8808 or (text) 647-424-1134 | Office: 416-597-1171
info@trccmwar.ca
crisis@trccmwar.ca
www.trccmwar.ca
Windsor
Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County
Crisis: 519-253-9667
info@saccwindsor.net
www.saccwindsor.net
Woodstock
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford
Crisis: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938 or (text) 519-788-9993
info@daso.ca
www.daso.ca
Appendix 2 – List of contact persons for Toronto Health School Response Advisors
Arthur Villacete
President & CEO
Toronto Health School
150 Duncan Mill Road, Unit 2
North York, ON, M3B 3M4
Phone: 416.636.1011
Email: torontohealthschool@gmail.com
Shenette V. Skenderis
Director for Operations
Toronto Health School
150 Duncan Mill Road, Unit 2
North York, ON, M3B 3M4
Phone:416-636-1088
Email: shenette@torontohealthschool.com