The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre funds 21 new projects through the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program
News release
October 28, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence
Increasing access to support services across Canada for members of the Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Today, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) announced that its Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program recently began funding 21 new projects across 20 community-based service providers for new projects that will provide the wider Defence community access to more support services. These projects offer supports such as crisis management, counselling services, support groups, and increased access to victim services.
The following 20 service providers have received funding:
- Prince George Sexual Assault Centre
- Centre de Prévention et d’Intervention pour les victimes d’agression sexuelle
- Community Justice Initiative
- Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy
- Prince Edward Island Military Family Resource Centre
- Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services
- White Ribbon
- Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
- Landing Strong
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
- Veterans Transition Network
- Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
- Cumberland County Transition House (Lilac Place)
- Resolve Counselling Services Canada
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
- Durham Rape Crisis Centre
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
- Centre d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel
- Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
- Wounded Warriors Canada
SMSRC developed its Grant Program following requests by those in the Defence community affected by sexual misconduct to have access to a broader range of culturally competent, specialized care and support services outside of DND/CAF.
Quotes
“Through the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program, we are expanding access to critical support services for individuals affected by sexual misconduct. This year, funding is being provided to twenty community-based organizations, including several in provinces that previously did not have funding agreements in place. Expanding access to care across the country is an essential step toward ensuring that all survivors can access the services and supports they need.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Survivors of military sexual trauma deserve timely, accessible support. With this funding for 20 community-based organizations, our government is helping to ensure that CAF and Veteran MST survivors have access to resources where and when they need them.”
The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“For a third year, we are happy to announce an increase in Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre funded projects led by community-based service providers. We are delighted that we are now funding 21 more projects across Canada that increase the options for community-based services to better serve those in the wider defence community affected by sexual misconduct.”
Martin Gravel, Chief Operating Officer, SMSRC, Department of National Defence
Quick facts
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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.
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The “wider defence community” includes current and former CAF members and Veterans, DND public service employees, Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers, their families, supporters, and caregivers (age 16 and older) and Canadian Coast Guard personnel.
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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.
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In addition to funding community support, the SMSRC provides support services to meet the needs of the wider defence community.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca