Scenario: The CAF Unit Department Event

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

You are a new civilian employee at a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) unit. You are at a departure event at a popular restaurant off-base for a well-liked CAF member of the team. It is 4pm and everyone is having a good time. A senior officer approaches you and your co-worker, a junior military member, while you are talking and says, “Hey, good looking” and tightly hugs your co-worker – who freezes. You sense from their body language that they seem to be uncomfortable with the situation and you are offended by this unprofessional behavior. 

Later that evening, while the same co-worker is saying goodbye to everyone and preparing to depart, you notice as the senior officer intercepts them and says, “No. No. Stay and enjoy the rest of the evening.” You, again, sense that they feel uncomfortable and ask them if they are ok with the situation. The co-worker responds that this isn’t the first time, and that they are used to this behaviour. 

The next day, you see the senior officer and recall their behaviour. You are still offended and bring it up with your military co-workers. You are shocked when they adamantly defend the senior officer. You feel lost in this situation.

Categories

• Principles: Respect the Dignity of all Persons, Obey and Support Lawful Authority           
• Values: Integrity, Courage
• Cultural themes: Identity, Leadership, Teamwork
• Misconduct types: Sexual Misconduct
• GBA Plus themes: Not Specific
• Audience: Defence Team

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Identify warning signs of potential Sexual Misconduct situations and understand how actions of a sexual nature towards unit members are inappropriate in the workplace. 
• Discuss how behaviour and language can demonstrate a lack of respect for the dignity of others, are demeaning, and are unacceptable in a modern work environment. 
• *Note to facilitators: Please review DAOD 9500-1: Sexual Misconduct Response and discuss the “Duty to Report” as it applies to CAF members in relation to this scenario.

Facilitation Questions

1. What is the problem in this scenario? 
   • Open group discussion.
2. What are the facts? What are the assumptions? 
   • Open group discussion. 
3. Which principles, values and results are at play in this scenario?     
   • Open group discussion.
   • Discuss “Respect the Dignity of all Persons”, and “Obey and Support Lawful Authority.” 
   • Discuss professional expectations of leadership, discipline, and teamwork.  
   • Discuss Sexual Misconduct at work. 
   • Discuss how behaviour and language can demonstrate a lack respect for the dignity of others.
4. Discuss how the junior military member could be supported in this situation. 
   • Open group discussion. 
   • Discuss Integrity and courage. 
   • Discuss a “person-centered approach” to support. Consider what you would do based on how the junior member wishes to proceed in this situation.
   • Discuss with reference to Defence Ethics, the military ethos, and relevant policies. 
5. If you witnessed this, what would you do in this situation?  Why?  
   • Open group discussion. 
   • Discuss with reference to Defence Ethics, the military ethos, and relevant policies.