How To File A Report With The University

Consent Comes First supports people affected by sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, including people reporting to the University. We can be with you every step of the way through this process for example:

• Exploring what reporting process is
• Accompanying you to appointments with Human Rights Services
• Connecting you to counseling 
• Providing academic consideration and workplace accommodations 
• Connecting your family/community with supports
• Supporting you if you want to appeal a decision. 

If you have been affected by sexual violence by another member of the Toronto Metropolitan community, you have the right to report it to the university. If you do choose to file a report you have to contact Human Rights Services. The complainant may file a report or complaint in writing via e-mail or letter or may request an in-person meeting to make their report or complaint. Our office is able to provide support through the process if you would like.

Human Right Services Contact info:

Human Rights Services

Location: POD 254A

E-mail: humanrights@torontomu.ca

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 5349

You can expect a timely, transparent and fair process. You will be advised of your rights and responsibilities, will be kept informed about the investigation and outcome, and will receive regular updates including estimated timeframes and any delays.

You also have the right to a support person throughout the process. Our office can provide this support or you may choose to identify an alternate person to accompany you to meetings. This could include a friend, family member, legal representative, etc.

All information related to cases of sexual violence will be kept confidential. You are expected to keep the details of any case confidential, outside your circle of support, in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation and decision making process.

However there may be circumstances where university employees may be required to disclose information about the case. this includes;

• An individual is at risk of life-threatening self-harm;

• An individual is at risk of harming others;

• There is risk to the safety of the university and/or broader community;

• Disclosure is required by law; for instance, under the Child and Family Services Act, reporting is legally required if an incident involves a child 16 or under; or, to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act or with human rights legislation; and/or

• Evidence of the disclosed incident of sexual violence is available in the public realm (e.g. video shared publicly on social media).

If an investigation is opened, it may be necessary to implement interim measures, which are temporary measures put in place to protect the parties and the community. Consequences for violating interim measures will be clearly communicated to you at the time they are applied. Examples of interim measures that might be considered include:

• Changes within university housing (if you and the complainant live in residence)

• Restrictions to access campus or parts of campus

• No contact/communication orders

• Employment/workplace restrictions

• Changes to class and/or section enrollments

At any time throughout the process, before a decision is made, you may choose to withdraw your complaint. You are required to communicate, in writing, your decision to withdraw their complaint to Human Rights Services. In some circumstances, the university may still pursue the complaint (see the next section). Know that even if you withdraw your complaint you can still receive support from our office.

In some cases the university may be required to or choose to investigate an incident of sexual violence even though the survivor has chosen not to file a report or complaint.

Examples of such circumstances could include, but are not limited to:

• Where there is risk to the safety of individuals and/or the broader community; for example where repeated allegations have been made about the conduct of the same individual.

• Where required by law, such as under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (external link, opens in new window) .

• Where there is evidence of sexual violence in the public realm (such as a video posted on social media).

If such a situation applies to the survivor, information and support will be made available at every step of the process, even if they choose not to participate.

Ryerson’s Residence Community Standards process would apply where the individuals involved live on-campus in a Ryerson residence.

Residents agree to act in a responsible manner so as not to compromise or endanger the health and safety of others (in person or via social media).

Housing & Residence Life has the right to determine what constitutes unsafe practices and the appropriate sanctions for residents in such situations.

This option involves Human Resources and the Office of Vice-Provost Faculty Affairs depending on the parties involved.

If you are part of an union, you will be expected to take your complaint with your union before reporting to Human Rights Services or Human Resources.

All collective agreements (union contracts) provide for a grievance process. This is a legally-protected process for complaints, including enforcement of employment and human rights law.

Most collective agreements contain specific extra protections against discrimination and harassment as well.

It will be up to you whether you proceed with a grievance, but they can advise you, and explain your rights and options.

If you are not comfortable with your local union representative, you can call the main office or a higher-level representative.

If Human Rights Services opens an investigation, they will appoint an impartial investigator who has knowledge, training and experience in sexual violence investigations and related issues. The investigator may be internal or external to the university.

If you reasonably believe that the investigator may have a conflict of interest, you may request an alternative investigator. Human Rights Services will consider your concerns to determine whether or not to assign an alternative investigator.

Once an investigator is appointed, Human Rights Services will provide you with a notice of investigation that includes the following information:

i.   The name and contact information of the investigator

ii.   A written account of the complaint

iii.   Confirmation of the right to a support person or representative during the investigation

iv.   Any interim measures that will be in place during the investigation

v.   A link to the sexual violence policy and any other related policies

vi.   The name and contact information of the university support person designated to support you. This is typically one of our staff.

Once an investigator is appointed, they will contact the parties within seven (7) business days to confirm:

i.   Their appointment by Human Rights Services

ii.   The role of the investigator

iii.   Next steps in the investigation process