Sexual Misconduct Policy

Johnston Heights Church (JHC) is committed to being a safe place for all people to worship, serve, and participate in community. We believe every person is made in the image of God and should therefore be treated with dignity and respect.

We take all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and are committed to responding with care, integrity, appropriate confidentiality, and accountability.

Who and What the Policy Covers

Our Sexual Misconduct Policy addresses the reporting and investigation of allegations involving adults where at least one of the individuals is serving in a JHC ministry role, whether as a staff member or volunteer.

Situations involving minors are handled differently and must be reported to the appropriate authorities in accordance with applicable child protection requirements. Where police or other authorities become involved, they take the lead in the investigation and JHC will cooperate fully.

What Is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct is a broad term describing unwelcome or non-consensual sexual behaviour. It can include sexual harassment, unwanted touching, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, grooming, inappropriate sexual communication, and digital misconduct such as unwanted explicit messages or images.

Sexual misconduct can occur in person, online, by text, or by phone. Particular care must be taken where differences in authority, influence, vulnerability, or other power dynamics are present.

At the heart of our policy is the principle that sexual activity or behaviour must be freely agreed to by all parties. Coercion, intimidation, misuse of authority, or taking advantage of someone who is unable to give consent is inconsistent with this standard.

Our Commitment

JHC seeks to respond to allegations in a way that reflects both biblical convictions and appropriate legal and safeguarding practices.

When an allegation is brought forward:

• All allegations will be taken seriously.
• The dignity and privacy of those involved will be respected.
• The safety and well-being of the Injured Party will be a priority.
• Information will be shared only with those who need to be involved in the response or investigation.
• Appropriate pastoral care and, where needed, professional support will be encouraged.
• An accused staff member will normally be temporarily relieved of their duties while an investigation is underway, and anyone accused of abuse or misconduct will not be permitted to volunteer until the matter has been appropriately resolved.
• Where criminal conduct may be involved, the matter will be referred to police and JHC will not interfere with their investigation.

Reporting a Concern

If you experience, witness, or become aware of behaviour that may constitute sexual misconduct, we encourage you to report it promptly.

Concerns may be brought to JHC pastoral staff, a Ministry Lead, the Director of Operations, or directly to the Board Chair. All allegations of sexual misconduct are reported to the JHC Board.

Depending upon the nature and seriousness of the allegation, JHC may also involve police, our insurance provider, legal counsel, and/or an appropriate independent third party.

For less serious situations, an individual may choose, when reasonable and safe, to tell the person directly that their behaviour is unwelcome and must stop. This informal approach is not appropriate in cases involving serious sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, sexual assault, significant power imbalances, or whenever the individual does not feel safe or comfortable confronting the person.

How JHC Responds

When a formal allegation is received, the Board Chair will involve the appropriate JHC leadership, including the Director of Operations and HR, in determining the appropriate response.

JHC's insurance provider will be notified as required under our Abuse Insurance Policy, and legal counsel will be sought where appropriate.

If police become involved, JHC will turn the investigation over to them and cooperate as requested. If the matter is not criminal, designated Board representatives may gather statements and relevant information and determine an appropriate course of action.

The person bringing the allegation will have an opportunity to provide relevant information to someone they are comfortable speaking with. If they are not satisfied with the resolution, the matter may be referred to an appropriate third party for further resolution.

Confidentiality

We recognize that allegations of sexual misconduct involve deeply personal and sensitive information.

JHC will protect confidentiality as much as reasonably possible. Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis with those required to respond to or investigate the matter, or where disclosure is required by law.

Relevant documentation will be securely and permanently retained unless otherwise directed by legal counsel.

Care, Accountability, and Restoration

Our response to sexual misconduct is grounded in the conviction that every person bears God's image and deserves to be treated with dignity.

We seek to provide appropriate care and support to Injured Parties and their families. At the same time, those who are accused will also be treated with dignity and fairness while appropriate safeguards remain in place.

Where misconduct is substantiated, JHC will exercise appropriate discipline and accountability consistent with Scripture and the policies of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. Where possible and appropriate, we also desire to see healing, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation.

Questions or Concerns

If you have experienced, witnessed, or have concerns about possible sexual misconduct involving someone serving in a JHC ministry role, please contact office@hopetoyou.com

If you believe a criminal offence has occurred or someone is in immediate danger, please contact the appropriate authorities.