Sexual violence complaints & investigations

The Investigations Office is responsible for the oversight and administration of the formal complaint procedures outlined in Brock’s Sexual Violence Policy.

The Investigations Office’s role includes:

  1. Receiving complaints of sexual violence from Brock community members who are seeking an investigation into their complaint.
  2. Assessing Complaints once they are submitted to determine whether to proceed with an investigation.
  3. Conducting an investigation or overseeing an investigation conducted by an external investigator.

Submitting a complaint

If you would like to file a complaint regarding sexual violence, please contact the Investigations Office at investigations@brocku.ca to request a Sexual Violence Complaint Form.

You will be asked to provide the following information in the Complaint Form:

  • The specific nature of the allegations;
  • The identity of the Respondent (the alleged offender);
  • The details of any incidents complained of;
  • The dates and details of any incidents complained of;
  • The names of any potential witnesses;
  • How you believe the Sexual Violence Policy has been breached.

Brock recognizes that writing a complaint with this included information can be distressing and overwhelming. For this reason, an individual from the University’s Human Rights and Equity Office is available to assist you in filling out the Complaint Form. If you would like to explore this option please let the Investigations Office know and we can assist in facilitating a meeting with HRE.

Please note that by submitting the Sexual Violence Complaint Form you are requesting an investigation into your concerns. If you  are not seeking an investigation, but instead are just looking for supports or accommodations, you can contact Human Rights and Equity directly at humanrights@brocku.ca. You are not required to submit a complaint in order to receive supports or accommodations.

Process after a complaint is submitted

Once a complaint is submitted, the Investigations Office will follow the relevant Procedures set out in Appendix 1 of the Sexual Violence Policy. The key steps are:

  • Complaint Assessment: The complaint will be assessed to determine whether the allegations should proceed to an investigation, based on the following factors: whether the University has jurisdiction, whether the alleged incident(s) fall within the scope of the Policy and would constitute Sexual Violence; and when the Sexual Violence is alleged to have occurred. If the Investigations Office decides not to proceed with an investigation, the Complainant will be notified in writing and will have the option to request a review of the decision.
  • Launching the Investigation: If the Investigations Office decides to proceed with an investigation, both the Complainant and Respondent will be notified and provided with details of the complaint. Both the Complainant and Respondent will also be notified of the identity of the investigator who has been appointed to conduct the investigation and will have the opportunity to challenge the appointment if they believe the investigator has a potential conflict of interest or there is a reasonable apprehension of bias.
  • Investigation Process: Investigations will include interviews with the Complainant and Respondent and any relevant witnesses, as well as a review of any relevant documentary evidence. Both the Complainant and Respondent have the option to be accompanied by a support person or advisor throughout the process. The investigation shall normally be completed within eight (8) months. If it is expected to take longer than eight (8) months, the Investigations Office will develop an investigation plan which will be shared with the Complainant and Respondent.
  • Investigation Outcome: At the completion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare an investigation report, which will be provided to the Complainant and Respondent, and submitted to the relevant decision maker to make a finding on whether the Sexual Violence Policy has been breached and if so, to determine what discipline should be imposed.

If you have any questions about these procedures please contact the Investigations Office at investigations@brocku.ca. The Investigations Office can discuss these procedures with you in person or via email, phone call, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

Brock’s investigation standards

For more information about the principles, process and standards that Brock adheres to during the investigation process, please review the following links on the Investigations Office website: