Coming forward with a complaint about sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or discrimination and participating in the regulatory complaint process can be difficult, and may present emotional or practical challenges. If you are alleging that a licensee has committed an act of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or discrimination, you may be eligible to receive support to assist you as you participate in the complaint process.
Under the Health Professions and Occupations Act, three support programs have been established to reduce barriers and increase safety for those who are thinking about making a complaint or have already made one, about sexual misconduct, sexual abuse and discrimination:
If you are considering making a complaint, BCCOHP will provide you with information about the complaints process and help you understand what to expect, what your rights and obligations are, and what alternatives may be available to you.
If you have made a complaint, you may request BCCOHP to assign an experienced and trained individual to assist you in navigating the complaints process, attend any interviews or proceedings with you, and make recommendations to those involved in the process about how to minimize trauma and advance meaningful participation. While support workers are funded by BCCOHP, they act independently of BCCOHP. BCCOHP does not instruct them on how to support you.
If you have made a complainant, you may request counselling services or culturally relevant and community-based support to help you to manage stress and avoid any potential re-traumatization that may arise while you are engaging in the complaints process. BCCOHP can refer you to a professional clinical provider or an individual experienced in delivering non-clinical, culturally-informed and community based support services. These services are funded by BCCOHP but the providers act independently.
These programs are completely optional. You will have to apply for support and BCCOHP will determine whether you are eligible to receive services under the program. You can contact us to receive more information about these support programs and for a support application.
