Improving access to community support services and resources for those affected by sexual misconduct

October 25, 2022 - Defence Stories

The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) launched a call for applications on October 18, 2022 for its new Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program. The new program was developed in an effort to provide more support services to those affected by sexual misconduct and improve access to community-based resources outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND).

Expanding our Reach

The SMRC currently funds projects led by eight sexual assault centres who operate in close proximity to major Canadian Forces Bases through a contribution program. With the Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program ending in 2023, the SMRC is replacing it with this new and improved Grant Program. This program will expand eligibility to include not-for-profit, community-based service providers in all locations across Canada with the capacity and expertise to support those impacted by sexual misconduct in the wider Defence community.

This expansion will integrate a wider range of resources and service providers to the network currently available to the Defence Team, as well as address the needs of underserved groups and individuals. Organizations will be evaluated based on how funding would help support the needs of women, men, gender diverse people, those living in rural and remote areas, Black people, other racialized groups, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLBGTQI+ people, immigrants, and those who are unable to access in-person help.

What’s new?

The new Grant Program has been designed to increase access to support and resources for people who need them. Every initiative, activity, or service developed as a result of this program will be designed to address the needs of members of the Defence community, and they will be made available to you in a free and confidential manner.

• Initiatives and activities funded under this program will benefit current and former CAF members, DND public service employees affected by sexual misconduct and their families/supports and could include:
• Providing information, support, and referrals or access to hospital, medical, or police services through a communication line
• Individual and group counselling to address a range of needs related to sexual misconduct, including those who support individuals affected by sexual misconduct (such as managers, executives, Chain of Command, or family members)
• Outreach to Indigenous communities and underserved remote locations
• Assisting affected persons in the areas of healing, trauma, health care, housing, employment, criminal justice, or legal rights and responsibilities
• Developing innovative tools (including virtual) that enable survivors to better access resources

Spread the Word

Applications for the new Grant Program are open from October 18 to November 15, 2022. If you or anyone you know is involved with a potentially eligible organization, you may direct them to the Grant Program website or they may email us questions at: SMRCGrant-SubventionCIIS@forces.gc.ca. Note: Grants cannot be awarded to CAF members or federal public service employees.