The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is committed to improving access to support services for individuals affected by sexual misconduct within the defence community.

“Supporting members of the Defence Team affected by sexual misconduct remains a top priority. Through the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s Grant Program, we are strengthening community organizations across Canada to ensure better access to the care and services people need. The Defence Team works every day to keep Canadians safe, and we have a duty to foster an institution where every member is respected, supported, and able to serve with dignity.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“Survivors and individuals affected by sexual misconduct deserve access to essential support services at the right time and in the right place. This program will expand access to these critical services by bringing them closer to the communities they serve. By investing in community-based organizations, our government is fostering resilience and making care more accessible to those who need it.”

The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s (SMSRC) Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program is open to receiving applications from community-based service providers. I look forward to establishing grant agreements with organizations across the country to support those affected by sexual misconduct. Together, we can work to make sure that those affected have the support they need.”

Martin Gravel, Chief Operating Officer, SMSRC, Department of National Defence

• Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, sexual assault centres, community support programs and counselling services that have the capacity and expertise to provide support to those affected by sexual misconduct within the wider defence community. 

• The “defence community” includes current and former Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans, Department of National Defence public service employees, Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers, their families, supporters, and caregivers (age 16 and older).

• The program seeks to support projects that address the needs of diverse populations, women, men, sexually and gender diverse people; Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people; Indigenous Peoples; Black, Asian and other racialized people; people living with disabilities; those living in an official language minority community; those living in northern, rural and remote communities; others with diverse identity factors; and/or people who cannot access services in person.

• In addition to funding community support, the SMSRC provides support services to meet the needs of the wider defence community.

• The Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program is part of It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy.

Associated links

• Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
• Funded projects for the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre

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