Sexual Misconduct Response Centre Releases First Annual Report

August 8, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) released its 2016-2017 Annual Report today.

The Annual Report summarizes activities related SMRC’s core mandate:

• To provide confidential supportive counselling services to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who have experienced or been affected by inappropriate sexual behaviour.
• To provide information to the CAF on potential trends based on aggregate data gleaned from interactions with CAF members.  SMRC also supports members of the chain of command who seek guidance on how to deal with specific situations.
• To promote its services on an ongoing basis to inform and encourage CAF members to come forward and seek services that best meet their needs.

Among the highlights this year, the SMRC:

• Implemented an enhanced electronic database to ensure consistency and continuity of service to CAF members, confidentiality of caller information and an improved ability to analyse issues and trends.
• Provided supportive counselling services to over 400 individuals.
• Conducted information sessions with over 3500 CAF members through town halls, and other events and briefings.                                                                       

About SMRC

Originally established in September 2015 as an organization independent from the chain of command, the SMRC was specifically created to support CAF members who have experienced or been affected by harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour. It is one of the cornerstones of the response to the External Review Authority Report on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces and of Operation HONOUR. As a team dedicated to supporting the needs of CAF members in this area, the SMRC provides:

• Direct access to a team of counsellors with university degrees and a wealth of experience in counselling, social work and psychology as well as experience in a military context.
• Confidential supportive counselling available 24/7/365 with no triage and no duty to report.
• Bilingual support services (French and English).
• Planning assistance for members’ immediate safety if required.
• Facilitated access to a Military Liaison Team, including a member of the Military Police, to provide information and support them in making informed choices on how they wish to proceed. Specifically, information on what to expect of the investigative processes, of the military and civilian justice systems, and of other investigative or complaint mechanisms.