The Restorative Engagement Program needs your help

December 9, 2024 - Defence Stories

Author: Master Warrant Officer Catherine Sévigny, Band Sergeant Major / Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke

In the fall of 2023, I participated in the Restorative Engagement program run by the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. The experience I gained in a virtual cohort of approximately eight people, both military and civilian, plus two restorative practitioners, enabled me to delve beyond my expectations into a subject that has recurred throughout my years of service: the prevention of sexual harassment and a genuine awareness of its impact. I was also able to make a tangible contribution to the recovery of my military peers and veterans and bring this rich experience back to my unit.

Three phases

In the first phase of the cohort, we developed skills to act as a Defence Representative for members of the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement. The approach, which is intended to go beyond formal processes and be more healing for these people, requires the development of certain specific skills, notably empathy, active listening, openness and the ability to communicate in a context of divergent opinions.

The second phase was particularly decisive for me and the other members of my cohort. Putting theory into practice through face-to-face encounters makes all the difference and enables us to have a better grasp of the reality of the impact and repercussions of sexual misconduct on individuals. Listening and providing reassurance was definitely a factor that helped me realize how useful these approaches could be. There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing a person in front of you untie the knot that had continued to hold them back.

As for the third phase, it is intended as an impetus to bring this new knowledge and these new skills back into the organization. A report from the cohort summarizing its experience of the Restorative Engagement program is submitted to the Chief – Professional Conduct and Culture group. A personalized plan is put in place in our respective environments to enable the chain of command to assume its role in preventing sexual misconduct – and also to raise awareness among the members of our respective units.

A little-known program?

Finally, in writing this article, I would like to help demystify and publicize the program. My wish is that other people will have the same deep sense of gratitude that I feel for having experienced this authentic micro-mission, which contributes to culture change and aims for professionalism and excellence in all its practices.

More than 6,000 class members asked to participate in the Restorative Engagement Program. There is a significant need to train Defence representatives so that this demand can be met.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Restorative Engagement Program page.