Peer Support Program

Description

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s (SMSRC’s) deployment of the Peer Support Program (PSP), which is a joint initiative between the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides peer support services to current and former CAF members, as well DND public service employees, who have experienced sexual misconduct (SM) and military sexual trauma MST), which is broadly defined as harm suffered because of experiencing sexual misconduct in connection with military service.

To be eligible for PSP services, an individual must:

1. be either a current or former CAF member, Veteran, DND public service employee, Cadet, or Junior Canadian Ranger;
2. be 18 years of age or older;
3. have experienced sexual misconduct and/or MST during service or in the workplace;
4. have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a reliable internet connection; and
5. be willing to take part in a virtual intake meeting with a Peer Support Regional Coordinator prior to the start of the first group session

In the future, the program intends on providing services to family members of current and former CAF members, veterans, public service employes, Cadets, and Junior Canadian Rangers.

If eligible, individuals may participate in the following program services:

Formal Groups: first deployed in a 2023 pilot, these are closed groups comprised of up to 10 individuals meeting for a defined period. Once a group is established, no additional members can be added. These groups are formed by the SMSRC PSP based on individuals who have submitted interest in the program and, specifically, the formal group setting. Once a group of approximately 4-10 individuals is created, the formal group offers 10 virtual sessions on MS Teams or in person.

Informal Peer Support Group: first deployed in April 2024, offers a casual, confidential, and safer space where peers can connect, discuss, share, and explore coping and the healing journey together in a supportive environment. Informal groups meet virtually on MS Teams or un person over eight sessions which are hosted by two trained Peer Facilitators with lived experience. Like the formal group service, individuals must submit interest in the program, and specifically, the informal group settings. Once registered to the group, participation is flexible (drop-in style) – participants can attend as many sessions as they would like.

Peer Support Activities: at times, the PSP provides various ad hoc events, workshops, and similar support activities, such as art activities, coffee chat sessions, and yoga. These ad hoc activities occur in one or two sessions and focus on peer-based activities that further support coping with sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma.

TogetherAll: an anonymous online platform managed by a company called TogetherAll, which was available to DND/CAF members of military sexual trauma and their families from June 2022 to March 2024. The SMSRC ensured the platform was available to individuals but was not involved in the management of the platform nor was any personal information collected from the vendor. The only information collected by DND/CAF from TogetherAll were aggregate statistics; e.g., number of registrants.

Why a privacy impact assessment was completed

According to Appendix C.2.2.9 of the TBS Directive on Privacy Practices, a PIA is required, in part, upon a new or substantially modified program or activity wherein personal information is used or intended to be used for an administrative purpose. As the PSP is a new program, a PIA is required.

Additional information

The PIA identified several potential privacy risks associated with the administration of the program, including issues around accountability, notice, transparency, and information security. In response to the risks, senior management within the SMSRC created an action plan to mitigate the risks within a timely fashion.

Related personal information banks

DND PIB PPU 884 (Peer Support Program) New PIB pending TBS approval

For more information about this privacy impact assessment

DND/CAF Directorate of Access to Information and Privacy
Email: ATIP-AIPRP@forces.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-901-6720
Online request: Access to information and Privacy online request