Sexual Violence Policy

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
You can get support from the College without making a formal report. See Reporting and access to supports.

1. Purpose and Legislative Authority

Health and Beauty Canadian College (“HBCC” or “the College”) is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and free from sexual violence and sexual harassment. This policy is established in accordance with the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and Ontario Regulation 415/06 (General), subsection 36.0.2, as amended.

On September 16, 2021, the Ministry announced regulatory changes to strengthen protections for post-secondary students who experience sexual violence or sexual harassment. These amendments came into effect on March 1, 2022, and are fully reflected in this policy.

This policy applies to all students, whether incidents occur:

• On campus
• During college-related activities or events
• During internships, placements, or externships
• In virtual or online learning environments

2. Regulatory Protections for Students

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 415/06, s.36.0.2, the College affirms that:

No Discipline for Drug or Alcohol Use

A student who, in good faith, reports an incident of sexual violence or makes a complaint will not be subject to discipline or sanctions for violations of College policies related to drug or alcohol use at the time the alleged sexual violence occurred.

Protection from Irrelevant Questioning

Students who disclose sexual violence—whether through reporting, making a complaint, or accessing supports—will not be asked irrelevant questions, including questions related to:

• Sexual expression
• Sexual orientation
• Past sexual history

3. Policy Statement

Health and Beauty Canadian College is committed to:

• Treating all individuals affected by sexual violence with dignity, fairness, and respect
• Ensuring confidential, trauma-informed responses
• Providing access to support services without requiring formal reporting
• Ensuring fair, impartial, and timely investigations when required

For the purposes of this policy:

• The individual reporting or disclosing sexual violence is referred to as the Complainant
• The individual alleged to have engaged in sexual violence is referred to as the Respondent

4. Definition of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence includes any act or attempted act, whether physical or psychological, that targets a person’s:

• Sexuality
• Gender identity
• Gender expression

Without the person’s consent, including but not limited to:

• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual exploitation
• Stalking
• Voyeurism
• Indecent or sexual exposure
• Distribution of sexual images without consent

5. Policy Distribution and Training

• A copy of this policy is provided to all students as part of their enrolment contract
• The policy is made available on the College website
• All faculty, instructors, staff, management, and contractors receive training on:
  • Reporting obligations
  • Trauma-informed responses
  • Investigation procedures
  • Student rights under Ontario legislation

6. Internship and Placement Partners

Organizations hosting HBCC students for internships or placements must provide written confirmation that they comply with:

• The Ontario Human Rights Code
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Applicable laws related to sexual violence and harassment prevention

7. Reporting and Access to Supports

7.1 Reporting Options

• Students may report incidents of sexual violence to the Campus Director
• College staff who become aware of sexual violence must report the matter to the Campus Director immediately

7.2 Access to Support Without Reporting

Students may access supports and services without being required to file a formal complaint or participate in an investigation.

Supports may include:

• Academic accommodations
• Counselling referrals
• Medical and community resources
• Safety planning

Students may contact the General Manager for confidential assistance.

General Manager, Health and Beauty Canadian College
8403 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 6R2
416-917-4747 · info@healthbeautycollege.com · www.healthbeautycollege.com

8. Confidentiality and Records Management

• The College will protect the confidentiality of all parties to the extent possible
• Information will only be disclosed where:
  • There is an imminent risk to individual or community safety
  • Disclosure is required by law
• Records related to sexual violence reports are stored securely and separately from academic files

9. Student Rights and Accommodations

• Students are not required to report incidents or participate in investigations
• The College may initiate an investigation without the Complainant’s consent if:
  • There is a risk to the College community
  • Legal or regulatory obligations require action
• Support services are available regardless of reporting decisions

10. Investigation Process

• Reports may be submitted in writing to the Campus Director
• The Campus Director determines:
  • Whether an internal investigation is required
  • Whether police notification is necessary
  • Appropriate interim measures (e.g., class changes, separation of parties)

During investigations:

• Both the Complainant and Respondent may have a support person present
• All relevant parties and witnesses are interviewed
• Investigations are conducted fairly, impartially, and in a timely manner

11. Disciplinary Measures and Appeals

11.1 Disciplinary Actions

If sexual violence is substantiated, corrective actions may include:

• Student expulsion
• Staff termination
• Suspension or restriction of campus access

11.2 Appeals

• Either party may appeal the decision within 10 calendar days
• Appeals must be submitted in writing to the President of the College

12. False Reports and Retaliation

• Knowingly making false complaints, providing false information, or engaging in retaliation constitutes a violation of this policy
• Disciplinary action may include termination or expulsion

13. Policy Review and Student Input

• This policy is reviewed at least every three years
• Student input is incorporated into policy development and revisions, as required by Ontario regulation

14. Data Collection and Reporting

Health and Beauty Canadian College collects and submits data related to sexual violence policies and incidents as required under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, as amended.

15. Compliance Statement

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 415/06, s.36.0.2, Health and Beauty Canadian College maintains a comprehensive Sexual Violence Policy addressing:

• Prevention
• Reporting
• Investigation
• Disciplinary response
• Student supports

This policy reflects the College’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and legally compliant educational environment.

Appendix A – External Supports and Emergency Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The following services are free and confidential.

The General Manager can also help you find local services in confidence.