Resolution options
UVic’s Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy ensures that survivors and anyone impacted by sexualized violence have access to:
- immediate health and safety support
- information about policy and process options
- survivor-centered, trauma-informed opportunities to disclose or report incidents
Disclosure vs. report
| Disclosure | Report |
|---|---|
| When someone shares their experience of sexualized violence. It is confidential and connects the person to support. | A formal submission through the SVRO that initiates an investigation. |
- a disclosure does not lead to a formal report
- investigation only occurs if a person explicitly requests to file a report
- filing a report is not required to receive support, information, or access options
Why to disclose or report
Key commitments under the policy
Amnesty- anyone disclosing or witnessing sexualized violence will not face disciplinary action for alcohol or substance use occurring at or near the time of the incident
- disclosures and reports can be made at any time
- investigations may be limited if significant time has passed or parties are no longer at UVic
Voluntary process
A voluntary process (VP) is a non-punitive option under UVic’s Sexualized Violence Prevention Policy. It is a process agreed on by everyone involved—the survivor, the person alleged to have caused harm, and the university—to resolve the matter or restore relationships.
Understanding a VP helps you know how it begins, what it can involve and how it can end.
Key points about a VP:
- participation is completely voluntary; anyone can end the process at any time
- a survivor does not need to file a formal report to request a VP
- all parties must agree before the VP starts
- survivors do not have to meet the person alleged to have caused harm unless they choose to
- VPs are not disciplinary
- they do not determine if the policy was violated
A VP can take many forms, including:
- letting the person alleged to have caused harm (PATHCH) know their behavior was unwanted
-
communicating the impact of the harm through a written statement or meeting with a SVRO staff member
-
requesting the PATHCH complete sexualized violence prevention education, such as the CORE program through EQHR (see below)
- arranging voluntary no-contact agreements to limit interactions on campus
- mediation, facilitated conversation, conflict coaching, or culturally appropriate resolutions
- negotiating a behavioral agreement or voluntary letter outlining expectations for future interactions
CORE Program
The CORE Program, launching as a pilot program in 2025-2026, is an educational violence prevention program for UVic students who are alleged to have caused harm under the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy, the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response Policy, or other related policies.
Through their participation in the CORE Program, students will build knowledge and skills around four CORE themes:
- Consideration: Students will build consideration, compassion and care for themselves and others. They will explore the impacts of sexualized violence, discrimination and harassment on themselves, survivors and the UVic community.
- Ownership: Students will reflect on their actions and be encouraged to take ownership of the harm caused. The program places emphasis on learning the difference between intent and impact.
- Repair: Students will consider ways to repair harm, centering the needs and wishes of survivors. They will explore the attitudes and behaviours they need to change, in order to ensure that the harm is not repeated.
- Engagement: Students will set goals to contribute to a culture of consent and respect on campus. They will explore ways to hold themselves accountable and to build a community supportive of their identified goals.
The program involves an initial assessment to determine participant needs and educational goals, and 1-5 one-hour educational sessions with a facilitator.
Investigation
The policy explains how UVic investigates and handles allegations that a student has violated the policy. It also covers sanctions and the appeal process after sanctions are applied.
Faculty and staff who want more information should contact the SVRO, as collective agreements affect the procedures.
Investigation fact sheets
Our fact sheets are currently being updated.
Discuss supports and options
Contact the SVRO for confidential advice, questions about the policy, support options, voluntary resolution or the investigation process. You can bring a support person to any meeting—staff or faculty may bring a colleague or union steward.