Research, data and analysis on sexual misconduct

Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces

Statistics Canada conducts a voluntary survey on sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on behalf of the CAF. The survey is designed to collect information regarding the prevalence of sexual misconduct within the military, to understand CAF members’ awareness of policy, programs and associated support mechanisms and to determine reporting trends. The CAF is committed to repeating the survey on a regular basis as a means of tracking progress over time. The date for the administration of the next survey has not yet been determined.

2018 Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces

Statistics Canada conducted the second Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces from September 14 to November 15, 2018. The survey results were published May 22, 2019.

2016 Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces

Statistics Canada conducted the first Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces in the spring of 2016. The survey results were published November 28, 2016.

2016 Survey - Full report (Statistics Canada)
Infographic: Overview of results from the Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, 2016 – Regular Force (Statistics Canada)
Infographic: Overview of results from the Survey on Sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, 2016 - Primary Reserve (Statistics Canada)
2016 Survey - Backgrounder (National Defence)

Data on sexual misconduct incidents in the Canadian Armed Forces

As part of Operation HONOUR, the CAF collects and analyses sexual misconduct incident data to understand the scope of the issue and to identify areas where a more concentrated effort is required.

The 2019 Sexual Misconduct Incident Tracking report offers a snapshot of data for incidents that were reported to the chain of command between April 2016 and March 2019.

As we further analyze the data in this report to inform and focus our efforts to address sexual misconduct, we will continue to be open with members and Canadians about our actions.

Operation HONOUR research program

The objective of the Operation HONOUR research program is to influence cultural change through comprehensive, multi-phase research focused on understanding key cultural dimensions, incidence and response to inappropriate sex- and gender-based behaviours in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND). This is accomplished by:

Determining the scope of sexual misconduct in the CAF
Identifying key risks and barriers to a healthy and inclusive CAF/DND culture
Identifying key cultural factors and behaviours that enable positive culture change, and that proactively addresses inappropriate sex- and gender-based behaviours in CAF/DND
Guiding ongoing program and policy development

The following specific research studies and/or surveys are underway or ongoing. This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change.

Operation HONOUR questions incorporated into periodic Your Say Surveys
Survey of Officer/Naval Cadets at the CF Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS)
Survey of Private/Aviator Recruits at CFLRS
Survey of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS)
Validation of CAF occupational training
Qualitative / experimental research – Bystander Behaviours
Qualitative / experimental research – Socialization
Qualitative / experimental research – Leadership Dynamics
Victim support services study
Study on LGBTQ experiences related to sexual misconduct

Research papers

The CAF has numerous research papers available on request. The abstracts are available below:

Abstracts: Operation HONOUR research papers

Literature Reviews

The CAF has numerous literature reviews available on request. Contact the Directorate Professional Military Conduct—Operation Honour for more information.

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