Increasing access to support services across Canada for those in the Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a top priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

“Survivors of sexual misconduct in our institution deserve comprehensive support and access to care. Through the innovative Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program, we are increasing access to a range of support services, and helping to ensure the wellbeing of our Defence community. At the same time, we are working to create an institutional culture that enables every member of our team to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel protected and respected.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“For anyone who experienced sexual misconduct during their military career, the journey of healing is not something they should have to go through alone. We have to keep doing more to help. Today’s recipients will provide the kind of support Veterans, serving CAF members and DND public servants need when they need it. I encourage anyone who has been affected by military sexual trauma to reach out.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“This announcement represents another step forward in preventing gender-based violence, and supporting victims and survivors as well as their families. This funding builds on the tremendous work underway to end gender-based violence through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence and the Federal Gender-based Violence Strategy. Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for your dedication in providing critical supports that enable individuals to have a safe place to access the services they need. Our hope is that one day, this kind of critical support will no longer be needed.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“Since 2019, the SMSRC has been providing funds to civilian sexual assault centres located near nine of the largest Canadian Forces bases in its Contribution Program. The new Grant Program is more flexible; it supports funding to community-based service providers anywhere in Canada that can implement new projects and support members of the Defence community who live in underserved communities. We are continuously working to provide more support services to those affected by sexual misconduct and are delighted that we are now able to support funding to 30 organizations, 22 more than we funded in the Contribution Program.”

Linda Rizzo Michelin, Chief Operating Officer, Sexual Misconduct Support and Resouce Centre, Department of National Defence

• The SMSRC manages the Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program, that ends on March 31, 2023 and has been replaced by the new Grant Program.

• The new Grant Program was developed in response to requests of those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community to have access to a broader range of culturally competent, specialized care and support services.

• The Grant Program allows for increased collaboration between community-based and CAF service providers such as found in bases, support units and Canadian Forces Health Services Centres.

Associated links

• Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
• Conduct and Culture Change Progress Tracker
• The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca