Report an Incident

Informed consent means that you are agreeing to participate in this process voluntarily and with full awareness of how the information you provide will be used. This includes understanding the purpose of reporting the incident, how your information will be handled, your right to confidentiality, and your freedom to choose whether or not to participate.

Informed consent also means sharing only relevant information with those who need it, in a way that protects everyone’s safety and privacy. It’s about giving you full control over your information while maintaining the integrity of the investigative process.

The purpose of this report is to gather information about the incident in question to understand what happened, assess the situation, and identify what actions are needed to prevent future harm. Your account will assist the Consent Chair in conducting a fair and thorough investigation.

We encourage all participants to approach the reporting process with care, considering the needs of the affected person and using a trauma-informed perspective to ensure that the process is respectful and empathetic. Your understanding and sensitivity in this matter are vital.

Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. The Consent Chair will handle your report with respect and discretion, sharing your information only with those who need it for the investigation.

Please consult with the Consent Chair about the limits of confidentiality. There may be legal requirements that mandate the sharing of information with organizations such as Children’s Aid Societies, law enforcement, or other agencies as required by law. If such disclosures are necessary, you will be informed of this beforehand.

The information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of the investigation. We ask that you share only what is relevant and necessary to understand the situation. By providing focused and pertinent details, you help ensure that the investigation remains efficient and respectful of everyone’s privacy.

Your report will be reviewed by the Consent Chair, and any actions taken will be based on the findings of the investigation. If your information needs to be shared as part of the investigation, it will be done with careful consideration of your confidentiality and privacy.

You have the right to withdraw your consent and stop participating at any time without facing any penalties or repercussions. If you choose to withdraw, any information you have provided up until that point will be disregarded unless it is required by law or already used in the investigation.

Additionally, you are welcome to modify or clarify your report at any time if you feel the need to update or change any details.

The Consent Chair is committed to a trauma-informed approach, which means we recognize the impact that trauma can have and aim to prevent retraumatization. This approach is person-centered, meaning we respect your story, believe your disclosures, and honor the factors—such as your values, culture, gender, and personal experiences—that shape your responses to trauma.

A trauma-informed approach prioritizes psychological safety and seeks to create an environment where you feel supported, validated, and heard. We aim to reduce feelings of powerlessness by acknowledging the effects of trauma and by ensuring that you have control over the reporting process.

Radical accountability is a principle that informs how we handle this process. It’s about recognizing that, while harmful events can happen to us and may be outside our control, we do have agency over how we respond to these circumstances. Radical accountability invites us to take responsibility for our choices and actions, acknowledging that we can establish healthy boundaries, reflect on our experiences, and seek support to work through harm.

In the context of reporting an incident, radical accountability means taking full ownership of your experience—without shame or blame—and recognizing that healing and empowerment come from the choices we make about how to move forward. By reporting the incident, you are choosing to take control of your situation, contributing to a process that helps transform harmful conditions and restore safety for everyone involved.

It is important to note that Flame Ontario Arts Collective does not have the power to exclude a person from the broader Burner community or from public spaces where the community gathers, including private events (e.g., parties, private fundraisers) that are not sponsored or organized by Flame Ontario Arts Collective. Our role is strictly limited to supporting individuals and addressing concerns within the scope of the events or initiatives we directly oversee.

Additionally, Flame Ontario Arts Collective does not intend for this reporting process to serve as an alternative forum for justice. While we strive to promote accountability, this process cannot guarantee the repair of damage or the reversal of trauma. The purpose is to gather information, facilitate discussions, and help mitigate harm moving forward. We acknowledge that healing is a complex and individual process, and while we aim to support you in this journey, we cannot guarantee outcomes related to emotional or psychological repair.

The Consent Chair is responsible for reviewing reports and recommending actions to the Flame Ontario Arts Collective Board. However, it is important to understand that the Consent Chair does not have the authority to directly enact those recommendations. The Flame Ontario Arts Collective Board is responsible for deciding how to proceed with any recommendations made by the Chair.

We will do our best to work as quickly as possible within our capacity as volunteers, and we are committed to keeping all interested parties informed of the progress throughout the process. We understand that timely communication is important, and we will make every effort to ensure that you are apprised of developments as they occur.

If at any time during or after this process you feel the need for emotional support or counselling, Flame Ontario Arts Collective can provide a list of resources available to you. These resources are accessible through the SideBurn website. While we cannot directly connect you to counselling services, we are happy to help facilitate a connection by providing guidance and assisting you in reaching out to the appropriate services.

If you would like more information or assistance in accessing these resources, please feel free to contact a member of the Consent Chair. We are here to offer support as you navigate this process.