Limitations
In certain circumstances, the university and the investigation team are required to disclose confidential information. These situations include:
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An individual or the community is believed to be at risk of harm
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The university is compelled to disclose information by its policies, the law or another authority
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The investigative team must disclose confidential information to manage a report or investigation
Confidentiality is subject to the provision of the the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta), other legislation and university policy.
When a survivor discloses
When people who have experienced sexual violence choose to confide, they are placing a great deal of trust in you. Honour this trust by not sharing the survivor's story unless you are given explicit consent.
If someone who has experienced sexual violence confides in a MacEwan employee, that employee should consult with the Sexual Violence Response Team before acting on behalf of the university.
All university employees and students need to be familiar with the sexual violence policy and procedures to ensure a consistent, confidential and transparent response to sexual violence across campus.
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence can be a difficult responsibility to shoulder. We encourage you to access supports for your own well-being when you help a survivor of sexual violence.
During the investigation process
Only as many people as are necessary handle reports and complaints of sexual violence. Records of the incident are kept according to the rules set out by university policy, which include a department's records retention and disposition schedule. Records are kept separate from a student’s academic records or an employee’s personnel files.
