Reporting a Complaint

We encourage you to contact GWDC if you witness or are subject to harassment, abuse, or discrimination during any of our events or activities. Informal and Formal Complaints can be submitted through our Conflict Resolution Policy.

We are committed to taking all reported issues and concerns seriously and they will be addressed as efficiently as possible. As we are a small staff, we may not have the expertise or authority to mediate all conflicts or provide advice on conflict or crisis resolution. However, we will assess and manage circumstances and situations in the best interest of our collective vision towards creating safer spaces, potentially working with relevant professionals and/or organizations.

APPROACHING THE OFFENDING INDIVIDUAL DIRECTLY

You may choose to respond without immediately involving GWDC staff (though you can contact GWDC staff at any time) by advising the person engaging in the offending behaviour that their behaviour is unwelcome and asking them to stop it immediately.

GWDC supports this option only if you do not feel that your health, safety, and wellbeing is in danger.

REPORTING PROCESS

If you feel that you are being, or have been, subjected to conduct in violation of this Policy, or if you know of or suspect the occurrence of conduct in violation of this Policy, you should promptly report it to us by following the procedures outlined in the Conflict Resolution Policy.

CONFIDENTIALITY

GWDC will respect the confidentiality of all parties to the best of our ability. We will endeavour to not disclose the names of the complainant, the alleged perpetrator, or any witnesses except where necessary to investigate the incident or to inform the involved parties of investigation results and actions taken. GWDC may also consult with Good Women Dance Collective Board of Directors and professional experts (such as mediators, doctors, and lawyers). In these instances, we will strive to maintain confidentiality and anonymity where possible. In certain circumstances, GWDC may be required by law to disclose information.

RETALIATION

Retaliation in any form by an individual against someone who reports a potential violation, or who assists in an investigation, will be considered a violation of this Policy and will not be tolerated. Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of, or threatened with, retaliation should immediately report to GWDC using the process above.

GWDC will, to the extent that it is able, protect the individual who made the initial report, and anyone else who gave information as part of the investigation, from any form of retaliation by peers, co-workers, co-participants, or otherwise as a result of them having made a report or having provided evidence as part of an investigation into the reported violation.

RESOLUTION PROCESS

GWDC commits to taking all complaints seriously and taking action to restore a safe and positive environment. GWDC will follow informal dispute resolution procedures as outlined in the Conflict Resolution Policy.

GWDC will strive to use positive and restorative practices to support with the resolution of an issue. The individual(s) addressed in the complaint is expected to accept responsibility and repair the harm in an environment where everyone is supported and treated with integrity and respect. The goal of the actions will be to reinforce respectful relationships, build empathy and compassion, and strengthen acceptance of responsibility.

GWDC recognizes that, in some circumstances, positive and restorative practices might not be sufficient to address inappropriate behaviour. If positive and restorative practices have not been effective or if they are inappropriate for the situation, GWDC may use disciplinary measures, including expulsion from events, classes, or cancellation of contracts and exclusion from future GWDC events and initiatives. Individuals expelled from events, classes, or other activities may not receive a refund.