Improving access to support services across Canada for those who have been affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community is a top priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

“Our government is committed to providing survivors of sexual misconduct with comprehensive, critical care services.That is why we are delivering survivor-focused care through the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program. Projects administered through this initiative will help ensure increased access to a range of critical support services and the well-being of our armed forces community.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“It’s vitally important that there are supports in place for current and former CAF members who have experienced sexual misconduct, especially in their communities. This grant program will increase access to these essential resources and help folks get the support they need where they need it.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Everyone has the right to live free from violence, which is why we’re working with provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners and stakeholders, to develop the first-ever National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The Plan will help ensure that anyone facing gender-based violence (GBV) has reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live or who they are. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, and I encourage eligible organizations to apply.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“Since 2019, the SMRC has been funding projects from civilian sexual assault centres located near nine of the largest Canadian Forces bases. The new Grant Program’s eligibility criteria are more flexible to allow funding for broader community-based service providers who have the capacity to develop and implement projects to support underserved communities affected by sexual misconduct. We look forward to receiving applications from organizations who strive to help those affected by sexual misconduct heal from the harms they have suffered.”

Linda Rizzo Michelin, Chief Operating Officer, Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, Department of National Defence

• The SMRC manages the Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program, which will end in 2023 and be replaced by the new Grant Program. 

• Through the Grant Program, the SMRC is committed to reducing the administrative burden associated with reporting requirements of contribution programs.

• The Grant Program was developed based on the request of persons affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence Community to have access to a broader range of culturally competent, confidential, specialized care and support services. 

• The Grant Program will allow the increased collaboration between community-based and CAF service providers, such as bases and support units and Canadian Forces Health Services Centres. 

• The SMRC will review all submissions and communicate with successful applicants in fall/winter 2022. Funding may be provided to organizations as early as January 2023, and successful applicants will be listed on Canada.ca. 

Associated links

• Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
• Apply for Funding
• Sexual Misconduct Response Centre
• Pathways to Progress Tracker

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca