Protection of YouthChild AbuseSexual Harassment Policy

Protection of Youth

St. Bonaventure’s College strives for a safe and healthy environment for its students and employees. St. Bonaventure’s College is committed to the prevention of child abuse and maintaining a safe school environment free from sexual harassment and any other forms of abuse.  The school adheres to the policies of the Department of Children, Seniors, and Social Development of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Protection of children.

Child Abuse

For purposes of this policy, child abuse means physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child, other than by accidental means, by those responsible for the child’s care, custody, and control, or from persons who are agents or employees of St. Bonaventure’s College. In the case of abuse within St. Bonaventure’s College, by an employee or volunteer, whether lay, religious, or clergy, the following explains the process for reporting incidents of suspected abuse:

  • Employees of the school are required by law to report child abuse call toll-free 1-833-552-2368 or contact the RNC if they know or have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, abandonment or neglect by any person, including but not limited to an employee, or volunteer of the school.
  • In addition to the reporting required by law, all employees, and volunteers of the school are required to report any suspected or actual child abuse to the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation.
  • If the suspected abuse involves the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation.
  • a report should be made to the President and Head of School.
  • If suspected abuse involves the President and Head of School, a report should be made to the Chairman of the Board of Governors.

For more information about reporting misconduct and abuse, please click here.

Sexual Harassment Policy

I. General Statement of Policy

Sexual harassment is discrimination and will not be tolerated. All employees and students are required to report any act of sexual harassment which they suffer or have knowledge of using the procedures set forth below.  St. Bonaventure’s College will investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses an employee of the school.

​

II. Sexual Harassment Defined

  • i. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
  • ii. Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment, or of obtaining an education; or
  • iii. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment or dedication; or
  • iv. That conduct, or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or education environment. Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee by a student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy.

v.  Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to:

  • Verbal harassment or abuse.
  •  subtle pressure for sexual activity.
  • inappropriate patting or pinching.
  • intentional brushing against a student’s or employee’s body.
  • demanding sexual favours accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual’s employment or educational status.
  • demanding sexual favours accompanied by implied or overt promises of       preferential treatment regarding an individual’s employment or educational status; or
  • any sexually unwelcome touching.

III. Reporting Procedures

Any person who believes they have been the victim of sexual harassment by a student or employee of St. Bonaventure’s College, or any third party with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to the administration as designated by this policy.  The school encourages the reporting party or complainant to submit the incident in writing to the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation and the President and Head of School. Faculty and School Staff should report to the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation, while Office Staff should report to the President and Head of School.   If the complaint involves the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation, the faculty or staff member shall file the report with the President and Head of School. If the complaint involves the President and Head of School, the faculty or staff member shall file the report with the Chairman of the Board of Governors.  Submission of a complaint or report of sexual harassment will not affect the individual’s employment status.

St. Bonaventure’s College will respect the confidentiality of the complainant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed as much as possible, consistent with the school’s legal obligations and the necessity to investigate allegations of harassment and take disciplinary action when the conduct has occurred.

IV. Investigation and Recommendations

The President and Head of School and the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging sexual harassment, shall immediately authorize an investigation. Depending on circumstances this investigation may be conducted by the President and Head of School or the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation themselves, or by a third party designated by St. Bonaventure’s College. A report shall be drafted within 10 days of commencing an investigation.

The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.

In addition, St. Bonaventure’s College may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant and other employees pending completion of the investigation.

V. St. Bonaventure’s College ACTION

A. Upon receipt of a recommendation that the complaint is valid, St. Bonaventure’s College will take such action as appropriate based on the results of the investigation. Complaints against students shall be handled through the Head of Administration, Ignatian Identity, and Student Formation Office.

B. The result of the investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported in writing to the complainant by St. Bonaventure’s College. The report will document any disciplinary action taken because of the complaint.

VI. Reprisal

St. Bonaventure’s College will discipline any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged sexual harassment or who retaliates against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing relating to a sexual harassment complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.

VII. non-harassment

St. Bonaventure’s College recognizes that not every advance or consent of a sexual nature constitutes harassment. Whether a particular action or incident is a personal, social relationship without a discriminatory employment effect requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. False accusations of sexual harassment can have a serious detrimental effect on innocent parties.

VIII. Discipline

St. Bonaventure’s College will take such disciplinary action it deems necessary and appropriate, including warning, suspension, or immediate discharge to end sexual harassment and prevent its recurrence. Disciplinary action regarding complaints against a student will be processed through policies and procedures outlined in the School Discipline Policies.