Complaints about sexual misconduct or sexual abuse

We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual misconduct or sexual abuse can be very difficult.

We investigate all complaints against licensees, including:

• alleged inappropriate sexual comments;
• alleged inappropriate touching; and
• alleged sexual abuse.

The College has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct or behaviour towards patients/clients that is sexual in nature.

Professional misconduct of a sexual nature is a misuse of power that violates the human dignity of patients/clients seeking care for themselves or their relatives, or both. It is a violation of the relationship of trust and confidence that exists between patients/clients and licensees. Such professional misconduct by any licensee, providing any type of care in any practice setting, will not be tolerated by the College.

It is not considered sexual misconduct or abuse when a licensee touches an intimate part of a client’s body for a valid purpose with the client’s informed consent.

Complaints about discrimination

The BC Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination and harassment based on personal characteristics, such as race, ancestry, colour, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, family status, place of origin, marital status, and age.

Discrimination in health care happens when a person is treated unfairly or denied access to services in a health care setting based on the personal characteristics protected by the BC Human Rights Code.

The College will investigate discrimination complaints made by a patient or a person who witnesses discrimination, such as a family member, friend, or other concerned person.

Support Program

Under the Health Professions and Occupations Act, health regulatory colleges are required to provide and fund a Support Program for individuals who have made a complaint that they have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, and/or discrimination by a licensee. The Support Program offers access to:

1. Information services: College staff will provide information about the regulatory complaints process and the individual’s rights, including information about accessing the Support Program.
2. Support services: The College can facilitate access to counselling and trauma-informed cultural supports to support individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or discrimination by a licensee.
3. Support worker services: The College can assign an independent, experienced, and qualified support worker to support people who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and/or discrimination. The support worker can help explain your rights and role in the complaints process and accompany you to interviews or hearings regarding your complaint.

The College recognizes that complaint investigations can be traumatic. The Support Program is available to help. If you have submitted a complaint about sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, and/or discrimination and would like to apply for support, please complete and submit the Support Programs Application Form (fillable PDF).