Get help following an incident of sexual misconduct

On this page

• Services for CAF members
• Services for DND public service employees
• Services for veterans
• Guidance and tips on self-care following an incident
• File a formal complaint

Services for CAF members

The following list of services are available for use by CAF members. Some of the services are provided by civilian service-providers that are not required to report sexual misconduct incidents to the CAF.

Health care services

If you need any type of medical attention (for example, treatment of injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening, pregnancy prevention, or other related services to your physical health), you may choose to visit a CAF medical centre near you. If you prefer to visit a civilian hospital or sexual assault centre, try using our resources search tool or the Respect in the CAF Mobile Application to locate the resources near you.

Personal and spiritual support

If you want to talk to someone or receive counselling following an incident of sexual misconduct, there are a number of civilian and CAF-specific resources available to you.

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) was created by the Department of National Defence but is independent from the CAF chain of command and is not required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the CAF. Counselors are available 24/7 to provide confidential supportive counselling, provide assistance and information on options available to you and refer you to appropriate resources should this be needed. You have the choice to either provide your personal information or remain anonymous.

CAF Member Assistance Program
This program offers confidential, voluntary, short-term counselling to help members and families with issues affecting their well-being or work performance 24/7, 365 days a year.

Operational Stress Injury Social Support
The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program provides a national peer support network for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families who are experiencing an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). Services can be complementary to other mental health and family support services.

Military Family Resource Centres
These centres are located across Canada and in Europe and the United States. Their frontline service providers are responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services. Their goal is to build strong, resilient individuals, families and communities.

The Family Information Line (Morale and Welfare Services)
This team of trained professionals provides a wide range of services to the extended military community, including counselling, referrals, information on programs and services and crisis support.

CAF Chaplain Services
Chaplains provide religious and counseling services and support and help you understand theological, moral and ethical views. They can also provide information on a wide range of topics and provide help in various ways, including crisis intervention, support and counselling, and referring you to other care providers.

Services for DND public service employees

Health care services

Consult our list of resources search tool, which includes hospitals and sexual assault centres available to civilians across Canada.

Personal support

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) was created by the Department of National Defence but is independent from the CAF chain of command and is not required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the CAF. Counselors are available 24/7 to provide confidential supportive counselling, provide assistance and information on options available to you and refer you to appropriate resources should this be needed. You have the choice to either provide your personal information or remain anonymous.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential crisis support and referral services for employees of federal government departments and agencies.

EAP Peer Advisors (accessible only on the National Defence network)
EAP Peer Advisors are DND employees who are trained and skilled in supporting civilian employees. Their services are free, confidential and neutral. A Peer Advisor can listen to those who are experiencing work-related or personal issues; support the individual during the problem solving process; provide information; and when appropriate, refer employees to the most relevant internal, professional or community resources.

CAF, provisional and community-based resources
Consult the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s searchable list of resources near you across Canada.

Office of Disability Management (accessible only on the National Defence network)
The Office of Disability Management (ODM) plays a key role in ensuring that all Public Service employees have access to a safe and healthy work environment. It provides impartial, collaborative and inclusive services to support employees and their supervisor/manager dealing with disability-related matters due to illness, impairment and injury. To learn more call 1-833-893-3388.

Services for veterans

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
If you are a former CAF member who has been directly or indirectly affected by sexual misconduct while serving in the CAF and want support, you can talk with a Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre counsellor by calling the Centre’s confidential 24/7 support line, toll-free at 1-844-750-1648. SMSRC counsellors provide information, guidance, referrals and, if indicated, referrals to continuing support services offered by the Centre. SMSRC services also support families and caregivers of former CAF members who may be seeking information and guidance to support their loved one.

Veterans Affairs Canada benefits and services
Veterans and CAF members with a mental health or physical condition related to sexual misconduct during service may qualify for VAC programs and services. Visit the VAC Military Sexual Trauma web page or call 1-866-522-2122 for more information.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Assistance Service
Any Veteran who experienced sexual trauma during service and requires help can contact VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708. This service is a 24-hour toll-free help line that provides military and RCMP Veterans, and their families, immediate short-term mental health counseling, along with referral services, including support for mental and emotional health concerns.

Guidance and tips on self-care following an incident

The material below can be used by both CAF members and civilian members of the Defence Team who have experienced an incident of sexual misconduct.

A guide for sexual assault survivors
Addresses medical and physical concerns, legal and reporting options, and coping with emotions.

Self-care for victims
Tips for physical and emotional self-care.

Safety tips if you think you are being stalked or harassed
Suggestions on how to increase your level of safety if you are dealing with a stalking or harassment situation.

Safety tips if you think you are being cyberstalked or harassed online
Suggestions on how to reduce the risk being cyberstalked and how to respond if it occurs.

Tips to help victims express their needs in stressful situations
Quick reference cards designed for survivors to print and use at doctor and dentist appointments and at airport screening to make the experience less stressful.

You are in control: Watching and reading media
Tips for survivors on consuming media.

File a formal complaint

CAF members

CAF members affected by sexual misconduct are encouraged to report if and when they are ready to do so. If you want to know more about the reporting and investigation process or you are uncertain if the incident constitutes sexual misconduct, contact the SMSRC for a confidential discussion with a counsellor. You can also talk to your supervisor or Workplace Relations Advisor.

There are a few ways you can file a formal complaint:

Public Service Employees

Public Service Employees on the Defence Team are encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to their manager or supervisor as soon as possible, or contact their union representatives.

For incidents of harassment and violence, employees can submit a “Notice of Occurrence” form (form can be downloaded, filled out, and emailed to your manager or supervisor, who will respond within 7 days). Alternatively, you may notify the Designated Recipient verbally by calling 1-833-451-1604 for a secure voicemail box or you may submit the new “Notice of Occurrence” form by email to DesignatedRecipientHVP-DestinataireDesignedelaPHV@forces.gc.ca. If the occurrence involves your supervisor or manager, you must submit the Notice of Occurrence to the Designated Recipient. Visit the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention web page for more information.

If the incident involves a CAF member or if it occurred at a Department of National Defence establishment, Civilian Defence Team members can report the incident to the local Military Police unit or to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), which has specially-trained teams who deal exclusively with offenses of a sexual or sensitive nature. Civilian Defence Team members can also report sexual offenses to the civilian police service for their area.