Find information about human rights and gender-based and sexual violence supports, complaint, and reporting options, and confidentiality requirements at McMaster.
SVPRO supports McMaster’s institutional response to gender-based and sexual violence through education, prevention, consultation, and response. The office works with members of the University community and campus partners to promote awareness, strengthen prevention efforts and support a coordinated approach to responding to gender-based sexual violence
The HRDR Program provides information, consultation, and guidance related to human rights, discrimination, and harassment at McMaster. Senior Human Rights Advisors (SHRAs) can help community members understand relevant university policies and processes, consider available options and navigate concerns related to discrimination and harassment.
McMaster community members who have experienced gender-based or sexual violence (GBSV) or who have received a disclosure of GBSV can connect with the SVPRO for support.
The Sexual Violence Response Case Manager can provide information, resources, and support based on individual needs.
A complaint may be made when someone wishes to begin a formal University process related to discrimination and/or harassment. Complaints can be submitted by contacting the Human Rights and Dispute Resolution Program directly by phone or email or through the University’s reporting portal.
If you are considering making a complaint, seeking support or sharing information about an incident, it may be helpful to understand how confidentiality works and which offices can receive complaints under University policy.
The Human Rights and Dispute Resolution (HRDR) Program of the Equity and Inclusion Office is one of the University intake offices that can receive complaints under the Discrimination and Harassment Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy.
Depending on your role or circumstances, you may also be able to contact:
You may contact the office that is most appropriate to your situation for information about available options and next steps.
The University will share identifying information only when it is necessary to administer University policy, address safety concerns or meet a legal or professional reporting requirement. Where information must be shared, only the minimum amount needed to address the concern or meet the requirement will be disclosed.
This may include situations where:
For more detailed information about confidentiality and reporting requirements, refer to Section III of the University’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Section III of the Sexual Violence Policy.