Sexual Violence Policy

1. Policy Application

This Policy applies to all members of the Acupuncture College of Manitoba community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, whether on or off campus, where the behaviour has a nexus to the College.

2. Purpose and Intent

The Acupuncture College of Manitoba recognizes that sexual violence is a serious issue that affects many members of society. This policy outlines the College's commitment to addressing sexual violence through prevention, education, response, and support.

3. Definitions

Sexual Violence

Any sexual act or act targeting a person's sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened, or attempted against a person without the person's consent, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation.

Sexual Harassment

A course of vexatious comment or conduct against a person because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. This includes:

• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests
• Implied or expressed promise of reward for complying with a sexual request
• Implied or expressed threat of reprisal for refusal to comply

Consent

The voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. Consent must be affirmative, conscious, and voluntary. Silence or the absence of resistance does not constitute consent. Consent cannot be given by a person who is incapacitated. Consent to one form of sexual activity does not constitute consent to other forms. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

4. Policy Objectives

• Raise awareness about sexual violence and its impact
• Provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to incidents
• Ensure survivors receive appropriate support and accommodation
• Establish fair investigation and adjudication procedures
• Promote a culture of respect, equity, and accountability

5. Reporting and Response

Any member of the ACM community who has experienced or witnessed sexual violence is encouraged to report the incident. Reports can be made to:

All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. The College will provide interim measures to protect the safety of the complainant, which may include changes to academic schedules, no-contact directives, or other accommodations.

6. Investigation

Upon receiving a formal complaint, the College will initiate an investigation. The investigation process will be conducted in a timely, fair, and impartial manner. Both the complainant and the respondent will have the opportunity to present evidence and respond to allegations.

7. Disciplinary Measures

If a finding of sexual violence is made, the College may impose disciplinary measures including but not limited to: mandatory counselling, suspension, expulsion (for students), or termination of employment (for staff/faculty).

8. Protection Against Reprisal

The College prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report sexual violence, participate in an investigation, or support a complainant. Reprisals will be treated as a serious violation of this policy.

9. Public Reporting

In accordance with The Private Vocational Institutions Act, the College will publish an annual report on the implementation of this policy, including the number of reports received and actions taken, while maintaining the confidentiality of all parties involved.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect best practices and legislative requirements.