Help develop a DND/VAC Peer Support Program
August 11, 2021 - Defence Stories
Have you experienced sexual assault or harassment as a result of your service?
Help develop a DND/VAC Peer Support Program. Nothing for the community, without the community.
The Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada are jointly developing a peer support program for those affected by sexual misconduct in the military.
Peer support is the giving and receiving of emotional and practical support between people who share a common experience. We want to ensure the program being developed meets the diverse needs of those it’s meant to serve.
Who can take part?
- Currently serving and former CAF men, women and people of all gender identities with lived experience of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- We want to ensure a broad and inclusive representation of diverse groups and needs within the community.
What does participation involve?
We anticipate a two to three hour time commitment over a one month period:
- Attend a short information session that will provide an overview of the consultative engagement process and provide some context for the initiative. (Mid-Late August 2021)
- Participate in the consultation process which will include a virtual one-on-one, a small group interview, and/or written feedback. (Late August, early September 2021)
- Provide feedback on the prototype(s) of the peer support program developed based on the initial interviews and feedback through follow-up session(s). (September 2021)
- Additional Sessions may take place to provide input, participate in testing of program components, or comment on the expansion of other sexual misconduct support services.
How will I benefit?
- Connect with others who have experienced or are supporting those who have experienced military sexual misconduct
- Contribute your ideas to the development of the peer support program for those affected by military sexual misconduct
- Offer insight into programming that will meet the needs of the community
- Learn about the various types of available support services for those impacted by sexual misconduct
What are the potential risks?
By engaging in this process, you may be speaking about your lived experience. This may resurface past memories and result in mental, emotional and physical distress.
What supports will be available during the consultations?
Support will be available for participants when needed, as some may find these conversations difficult. You are also welcome to have someone you trust attend these sessions with you for support if you wish.
How do you indicate your interest in participating?
We want to hear from you and work with you to design a peer support program that meets your needs. If you are interested, or want to learn more, please email us at SMRCOutreach-CIISRayonnement@forces.gc.ca by 23 August 2021.
Dr. Denise Preston, C. Psych.
Executive Director
Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC)