Funded projects: SMSRC Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program

Dragonfly Centre - Sexual Assault Services

Military Sexual Trauma Supports Programs

Bonnyville, Alberta

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project provides support and counselling for those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community. There is a psycho-educational component that aims to increase participant knowledge on several topics, including the impacts of sexual misconduct within the Defence community, setting boundaries, and healthy coping strategies. The service area for this project includes 15 surrounding Indigenous communities, Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, as well as Francophone community members.

Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE)

Sexual Violence Support & Education for the CAF Community

Edmonton, Alberta

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project provides counselling and public education programs. The counselling program provides trauma therapy for people who have experienced sexual misconduct in the Defence community, while the public education program offers person-centered, evidence-based education for youth and adults. SACE provides services to people of any age (3 years and up), gender, sexual orientation, or background who have been impacted by sexual misconduct in the greater Edmonton area. This includes those in Edmonton’s surrounding rural communities, and the Edmonton Garrison Base; counselling services are available for people in other parts of Alberta, and online courses can be accessed by anyone in the world.

Prince George Sexual Assault Centre Society

Sexual Misconduct Community Support Program

Prince George, British Columbia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project includes providing individual counselling, public education, and outreach activities tailored to those impacted by sexual misconduct. To maximize accessibility, programming will be delivered through a wide range of formats including in-person, phone, virtual, and direct outreach. This centre will leverage its expertise and knowledge regarding sexual violence to educate, support, liaise and advocate for those harmed and impacted by sexual misconduct. They also provide services in English and French.

Veterans Transition Network

Counseling Support for Women Veteran/Service-Member Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma

Vancouver, British Columbia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to expand access and awareness of women’s group counselling programs, specifically addressing the impact of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The group model reflects military structure and culture, creating a familiar and supportive environment for healing. Expected outcomes include reduced trauma symptoms, improved mental health, stronger social support, and greater success in transitioning to civilian life.

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC)

Counseling for Sexual Misconduct Survivors

Victoria, British Columbia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

The project provides one-on-one counselling sessions. In addition to individual support, VSAC offers one 8-week ‘Skills for Healing’ group annually, as well as weekly in-person drop-in support groups and weekly virtual mindfulness practice. Outreach and engagement will be conducted in collaboration with the Military Family Resource Centre, Canadian Forces Military Police Group, and the Esquimalt Family Resource Centre. All services will be provided in English and available both virtually and in-person to ensure accessibility for CAF members, veterans, and other members of the Defence community.

Viol-Secours (website in French only)

Let’s join forces together!

Quebec City, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project has two main components:

• psychological support for survivors and their loved ones with a reduction in the waiting time for services and information, and
• awareness and training for the Defence community on the issue of sexual misconduct. Viol-Secours provides services in the Quebec City and Portneuf area, where there is a Huron-Wendat Indigenous community.

Services are offered in French; however, interpreters will be used as needed.

The Pepper Pod - Retreat Centre for Women Veterans

Beyond Trauma

Chelsea, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project offers women affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community a one-day ‘Beyond Trauma’ retreat (whether or not they have participated in a Lifeshop) where they can connect with other survivors and acquire important techniques to implement gender-responsive, strengths-based skills they need for healing. Retreats would be offered at the Pepper Pod and near CAF bases across Canada, such as in Edmonton and Gagetown.

CRIPHASE

Individual counselling for adult men who have experienced sexual abuse

Montreal, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project consists of developing individual psychosocial support services adapted to help participants regain healthy control over their lives. These services are offered to individuals who self-identify as men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, who are over the age of 18 and who reside in the Montreal metropolitan area. Emphasis will be placed on members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

Montreal Sexual Assault Centre (MSAC)

Sexual violence information/assistance (SVIA) in support of the Defence community

Montreal, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project provides a provincial 24/7 telephone line to serve the Defence community by offering support, information and referrals to resources closest to their homes, throughout Quebec. This line will be made better known to this community through a promotional campaign, particularly in localities throughout Quebec. Based on an assessment of the context and needs of the CAF community, current and newly recruited operators will be trained to better understand the specific needs and realities of the Defence community.

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)

Building a Safe Passage for Indigenous WG2STGD People Impacted by Sexual Misconduct in CAF/DND

Gatineau, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project aims to:

• ensure Elder/Knowledge Keeper support is available in case of crisis;
• ensure NWAC’s resource map remains updated so First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender and Gender Diverse (WG2STGD) people have access to information on support services in their region;
• ensure the perspectives of Indigenous WG2STGD people are heard and included; and
• build trauma-informed training capacity on sexual misconduct/violence prevention specifically related to the experiences of Indigenous WG2STGD people.

Training is provided for staff working at DND/CAF and support is provided to service workers engaging with members of the Defence community. NWAC supports and represents Indigenous women and girls, two-spirited, transgendered and gender-diverse people across Canada and is inclusive of First Nations (on and off reserve), status, non-status, and disenfranchised Inuit and Métis across Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat.

Centre de prévention et d’intervention pour victimes d’agression sexuelle (CPIVAS)

Integrated support services for those affected by sexual violence

Laval, Quebec

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project focuses on improving support and education by enhancing access to resources through updated guides and tools, delivering 300 psychotherapy sessions, providing personalized support and advocacy, and hosting 20 workshops and events to strengthen education and prevention. The initiative serves diverse populations, including women, men, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Le CALACS du Saguenay (website in French only)

Improving access to sexual violence services for women and girls (DND and CAF)

Chicoutimi, Quebec

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of French-language support services for victims of sexual violence within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND), particularly in rural regions of Quebec. Le CALACS du Saguenay will provide individual and group support, awareness activities, and referrals to appropriate resources, all adapted to the culture and language of the beneficiaries. The initiative seeks to address current service gaps and promote equitable access to trauma-informed, survivor-centred services. Support will be offered in person and virtually, in French.

Klinic Community Health

Expanding Knowledge and Support for Sexual Misconduct

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Funding period: March 2024 to September 2026

Through its “Expanding Knowledge and Support for Sexual Misconduct” project, Klinic Community Health (Klinic), is developing an online training portal for DND/CAF practitioners and those affected by sexual misconduct. This portal will provide access to Klinic’s sexual assault program trainings and many of their other public education workshops, including those on trauma-informed care, vicarious trauma, and psychoeducation. In addition, Klinic provides free public education and enhance their ongoing services to be on-demand and readily accessible.

Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre Inc.

Project SMOKE—Sexual Misconduct, Outreach, Knowledge and Empowerment

Pinawa, Manitoba

Funding period: March 2024 to September 2026

Project SMOKE, "Sexual Misconduct, Outreach, Knowledge and Empowerment” honors Indigenous cultures in which sacred plants are burned in sacred fires, purification ceremonies and pipe ceremonies centered on smoke for purification, healing, communication with the Creator, respect and renewal. The project increases its various services for those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community, including long-term counseling, support groups, peer support, workshops, systems advocacy and resource navigation.

Sexual Violence New Brunswick (SVNB)

Strengthening and Sustaining Systems Advocacy Services

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project improves understanding and response to the unmet needs of those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community who require concurrent support for various areas of healing, trauma, healthcare, housing, mental health, and employment issues connected to their experience of sexual misconduct. Through a Systems Advocacy Service Model, the organization is improving collaboration between community-based agencies and relevant government departments in the Greater Fredericton Area. The primary client group at SVNB includes those affected by sexual misconduct residing in the greater Fredericton region, including Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

NL Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

The Canopy Project: Trauma-informed support to CAF/DND survivors of Sexual Misconduct

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

The Canopy Project consists of counselling sessions, mentorship with a trained volunteer over a 6 to 12-month period, and an opportunity to participate in a 12-week support group to address the need for short- and long-term support. This project includes trained personnel who offer a safe, structured, and nurturing environment in which to learn new skills and to begin to resolve the trauma of sexual misconduct. Services are available to those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community, and offered in English, French, American Sign Language, and other languages as required.

Landing Strong Co-operative

Clinical care by psychologists and counselling therapists

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Funding period: March 2024 to September 2026

Landing Strong is an organization that is dedicated to supporting military members, veterans and first responders who are experiencing the effects of operational stress injuries. This project offers virtual and in-person clinical care by registered psychologists and registered counselling therapists in addition to its current support offerings.

Landing Strong

Creating Safe Spaces for Men who have experienced MST - Pilot Project

Windsor, Nova Scotia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2026

This project seeks to develop a program for male survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), adapted to address the unique needs of men, including societal pressures, stigma, and barriers to disclosure. This project supports participants and involves clinicians and peer supporters in a retreat-style setting. Program goals include fostering a safe, trauma-informed space for recovery, reducing shame and isolation, and building a model for potential national replication. The program will be delivered in English, as well as in both in-person and virtual formats to ensure accessibility, particularly for those in rural or remote areas.

Landing Strong

From Surviving to Thriving – Creating Landing Strong Caring Communities – LEVEL 2

Windsor, Nova Scotia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to create an immersive, trauma-informed retreat environment where participants can step away from external pressures and focus fully on their healing journey. The project will provide a safe and supportive space for deeper recovery and meaningful progress. This project is offered in English and supports women recovering from Military Sexual Trauma (MST) by offering group programming that builds on existing services.

Cumberland County Transition House Association (Lilac Place)

Community Support and Programming for Sexual Misconduct Survivors

Amherst, Nova Scotia

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to deliver a six-week counselling and psychoeducation program for individuals affected by sexual misconduct in the wider Defence community. It seeks to broaden available support services through individual and group counselling, peer support groups, in-person and online therapy, advocacy programs, and system navigation. The project also includes outreach efforts through partnerships with local legions and radio stations to raise awareness, and collaboration with other community organizations such as Avalon Sexual Assault Centre and the Cumberland County Sexual Health Center to enhance service delivery. This project is delivered in English.

Canadian Women’s Wellness Initiative (CWWI)

Field-Tested Approach to Stress Reduction and Improved Well-Being for Survivors of Sexual Misconduct

Seabright, Nova Scotia

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project offers an effective stress reduction technique to those who have experienced sexual misconduct within the Defence community. The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a 15 to 20-minute silent meditation practice which aims to enable relaxation and invoke the body’s self-repair mechanisms. CWWI provides training to anyone whose life is impacted by traumatic stress; they currently provide the TM course in seven cities across Canada: Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Peterborough, Ottawa, and Montreal and Fredericton.

Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (MPSSAS)

Ojiibikaawan – (We have roots): Healing from Sexual Violence

Bracebridge, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project provides an integrated healing experience for those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community to address the impacts of trauma and provide an awareness of the different elements and practices needed for healing. MPSSAS serves people of all genders who have been affected by sexual misconduct and who are 16 years of age or older. Culturally-based services are also available to Indigenous survivors regardless of colonial boundaries, in an attempt to include the needs of vulnerable and nomadic/trafficked Indigenous clients. Service delivery is offered in-person, virtually, or a hybrid approach through their Bracebridge office.

Four Directions of Healing

Bracebridge, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project offers culturally-based healing experiences in collaboration with another organization, GreeneStone Centre for Recovery. Twice per year, Indigenous people affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community have the opportunity to participate in a retreat and take part in a land-based healing ceremony, talking circles, a sweat lodge, and cedar baths with an Elder and a spiritual advisor on site. This partnership enables Indigenous military personnel and Veterans to have access to continued virtual programming, providing a more encompassing support service.

Lawson Health Research Institute

Barriers and Facilitators to Treatment Following Military Sexual Misconduct

London, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project uses a qualitative approach to explore barriers (perceived and encountered) faced by CAF Veterans affected by sexual misconduct. This research is conducted virtually and includes participants who are CAF Veterans over the age of 18 who have experienced any form of military-related sexual misconduct. Clinicians involved in this study must have an active caseload of CAF Veterans who have experienced military-related sexual misconduct.

Huronia Transition Homes (HTH)

Project B.A.S.E. (Building Accessible Supports and Education)

Midland, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

While partnering with other key community organizations, this project continues to reduce barriers for active and retired CAF members to receive specialized services and training on sexual misconduct. This project provides counselling for CAF members, as well as training on issues such as consent. It also increases stakeholder knowledge of existing programing through support service network collaboration and service mapping. HTH provides services to women who are 16 years of age and older and have experienced sexual misconduct. Their service area encompasses all of Simcoe County, including the primary communities of Alliston, Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Angus, Rama First Nation, and the remote island reserve Beausoleil First Nation. Both in-person and virtual programming are offered.

Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre of Nipissing

Trauma Informed Support for Military after Sexual Misconduct

North Bay, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre provides counselling to those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community. Training is put in place to ensure the counsellor is aware of the unique circumstances affecting this population; this project also provides the opportunity to build a group or workshop for clients coming from the Defence community. The service area for this project includes the Nipissing region, covering Temagami, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls and South River.

Women Warriors’ Healing Garden

Equine-Assisted Learning and Therapy for Women and 2SLGBTQIA+ People Who Have Served with the CAF or RCMP

Orleans, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

Women Warriors’ Healing Garden offers equine-assisted therapy, including individual and group counselling, as well as other equine-assisted mental health activities such as group art therapy and peer support. These services are offered by a team consisting of a mental health professional trained in the Tranquil Acres Equine-Assisted Therapy method, and an equine specialist. The target audience for this project is Veteran women and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Ottawa. Virtual programs are limited to the province of practice of the mental health care professionals who facilitate them, primarily Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada (ESVA Canada)

Enhancing capacity of community-based sexual violence centres to respond to CAF/DND survivors of MST

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project is developing an evidence-informed, competency-based, bilingual online curriculum to educate sexual assault centres on responding to military sexual trauma (MST) in the community and facilitates the development of standardized protocols for the provision of services for sexual assault centres across the country. These tools better equip providers in supporting those affected by MST in their recovery. EVA Canada’s target population is community-based sexual violence organizations and service providers who provide direct services to those affected by sexual misconduct.

Counselling and Family Service Ottawa (CFS)

Supporting Francophone survivors of sexual misconduct

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

CFS is a dedicated French language service provider with a long history of supporting those who have been affected by sexual misconduct and partner violence, as well as men who have been affected by sexual misconduct. This project supports the Francophone minority population of men and women affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community with one-on-one counselling and group therapy. Programming is available online, in-person and by phone.

Collaborative Justice Program

Post-charge Restorative Justice Support for Those Affected by Sexual Misconduct

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2026

This project ensures that Defence community members with cases that have been transferred to the criminal court in Ottawa have access, on a voluntary basis, to restorative justice. CJP will recruit a military member to participate in their Advisory Circle to provide advice in military cases. Services are available in-person and virtually, in both French and English; hours are flexible, and CJP meets people in the community when it is safe to do so.

Community Justice Initiatives of Waterloo Region

Pathways to Healing: Support for male and gender diverse survivors of sexual misconduct

Kitchener, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project includes two key elements: trauma-informed peer support groups and restorative justice information sessions. The peer groups aim to break isolation, foster community, and build practical skills in emotional regulation, consent, and boundary setting. To enhance accessibility, programming will be offered in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual options to address geographic and transportation barriers. This project is delivered in English.

Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy

Honor in Healing

Kingston, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project focuses on delivering one-on-one psychotherapy services to members of the Defence community affected by sexual misconduct. Each client will receive up to 24 counselling sessions tailored to their specific needs, with a focus on improving daily functioning, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and overall quality of life. This project is delivered in English.

Muskoka Parry Sound Coordinated Sexual Assault Services

Male Survivor to Survivor Peer Mentorship Program Development and on the Land Healing Retreat

Bracebridge, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2026

This project focuses on supporting male survivors, including Indigenous participants, through peer support and culturally relevant approaches such as land-based healing. This project is delivered in English and is built on two previously funded projects. This project focuses on the development of a male peer to peer support model, including a three day in-person retreat.

White Ribbon

Allies of Quality at RMC: Enhancing and Deepening the Program

Toronto, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2026

This project builds on prior work with the Royal Military College (RMC) to expand a bilingual, trauma-informed prevention program. It involves providing RMC with an enhanced program, further developing a toolkit of resources for cadets, senior students, and staff based on best practices and lessons learned from a previously funded project.

Ottawa Music Industry Coalition

Collective Healing Through Music for Military Survivors of Sexual Misconduct

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project is an alternative approach to recovery that combines trauma-informed therapy, collaborative songwriting, peer support, and healing circles. The project aims to address critical needs faced by survivors of sexual violence within the military by creating safe, inclusive spaces where survivors can share their experiences and collaborate with artists to express their voices. The project includes song writing, individual counselling, peer-led groups, healing circles, and educational outreach. Programming will be offered in English and French and be based in Ottawa, with virtual access available across Canada.

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre

Psychotherapy and Psychoeducation Supports

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to expand psychotherapy access for CAF/DND members and affected persons impacted by sexual or gender-based violence. Building on a previously funded SMSRC project, it introduces both direct therapy and asynchronous tools to reduce wait times and improve accessibility. Services include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-informed modalities, delivered in person and virtually in English.

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones

The Burns Way - A New Hope for All Veterans

Kingston, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2026

This project aims to support the development and launch of an anonymous peer-support chat platform tailored to Indigenous veterans and their families, including those connected to the CAF and RCMP. The goal is to address health equity gaps in current health and mental health service systems, improve access to care, promote care continuity, and support referrals for veterans across Canada. The project is delivered in English and French.

Resolve Counselling Services Canada

Counselling for Military Survivors of Sexual Misconduct

Kingston, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

The project provides priority access to therapy (without a waitlist) for members of the Defence community who have experienced sexual misconduct, as well as for their supporters. Therapy is delivered through a trauma-informed lens, using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and integrative psychotherapy. The organization launched a targeted outreach and advertising campaign to promote the program and build community partnerships to enhance referral pathways. The project is offered in both English and French.

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa

Strength in Vulnerability: Empowering Sexual Violence Survivors through PTSD focused workshops

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding Period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project expands access to trauma-informed, non-medical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support services for the wider Defence community, including military personnel, veterans, and their families. The initiative includes a 10-week PTSD, development of a self-help workbook, and a digital awareness campaign to reduce stigma and increase understanding of PTSD related to sexual misconduct. Services are offered in English and primarily delivered in Petawawa, with outreach extending virtually to surrounding regions.

Durham Rape Crisis Centre

Empowering Sexual Assault Survivors in the Armed Forces and Their Families

Oshawa, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project includes counselling, peer support, outreach, and education services tailored to members of the Defence community. The Durham Rape Crisis Centre retains a bilingual clinical social worker with military experience to deliver long-term trauma-informed counselling, including up to 12 individual sessions per year and monthly group counselling sessions focused on military-related experiences of sexual violence and misconduct. Programming is accessible in both virtual and in-person formats, expanding access to services for survivors regardless of geographic or logistical barriers.

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC)

Expanding Sexual Misconduct Support Services

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project aims to expand trauma-informed support for military survivors of sexual misconduct and their networks. The CRCVC extends service hours and improves access, particularly outside traditional business hours. The initiative includes the development of tailored, user-friendly resource guides to enhance navigation of available supports; a national outreach and awareness campaign; delivery of CAF-specific training; and strengthened referral pathways through collaboration with community-based organizations and the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). Services are offered across Canada in both English and French through a hybrid model of in-person and virtual delivery.

Wounded Warriors Canada

Sexual Trauma First Aid and Bystander Engagement Training

Whitby, Ontario

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project provides outreach and education through a series of survivor-centered, trauma-informed workshops delivered in collaboration with the Survivor Perspectives Consulting Group (SPCG). Led by Wounded Warriors Canada, the training addresses sexual misconduct within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), featuring firsthand accounts from survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). The workshops are designed to help participants recognize, address, and prevent sexual harassment and assault, equipping them with strategies to create safer, more respectful workplaces and better support survivors. Training also fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and inclusivity. Workshops are delivered in both English and French, with national reach and virtual access options to ensure accessibility across regions.

Family Services Regina

Coordinated response to those in the Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct

Regina, Saskatchewan

Funding period: March 2024 to September 2026

Family Service Regina (FSR) provides survivor-centred care including counselling and emotional support, safety planning, legal support including accompaniment in reporting incidents of sexual and physical violence and throughout any court process. Community outreach and supports such as attending the hospital, meeting with Crown Prosecutor, home visits, and connecting to other partners is all done through a trauma-informed lens.

FSR offers support groups to facilitate supportive relationships and information with respect to all forms of abuse including sexual misconduct. FSR is also trained in First Responder Training whereby training can be provided in the community to those who are likely to receive disclosures of sexual misconduct.

Building upon already existing Victim Service work as well as community partnerships and relationships, including with the Moose Jaw Military Family Resource Centre, FSR provides meaningful and practical supports to those who belong to the wider Defence Community and are survivors of sexual misconduct.

Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre

Counselling and education services for the wider Defence community

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Funding period: March 2024 to September 2026

The Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre will hire a counsellor to offer counselling and education services for those in the wider Defence community affected by sexual misconduct. This counsellor will help with continued trauma support, individual and group counselling, and outreach to DND/CAF members. The Centre also provides accompaniment to Defence community clients for reporting and legal processes. The Centre provides in-person services to the Saskatoon area and nearby CAF installations including Canadian Forces Detachment Dundurn, and virtually to the Defence community across Saskatchewan.

PEI Military Family Resource Centre

Brazilian Jui Jitsu Trauma Treatment Program

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Funding period: October 2025 to October 2028

This project introduces an alternative approach to trauma recovery through Brazilian jiu jitsu. The concept is that physical movement can help restore a visceral sense of control, offering an important step in healing from trauma. The program is delivered in English by a highly qualified team, including a 4th degree black belt experienced in supporting veterans and marginalized groups, a clinical social worker specializing in trauma in the Defence and RCMP context, and a mental health occupational therapist trained in multiple evidence-based therapies. Sessions are designed to be inclusive, adaptive, and clinically safe, with oversight embedded throughout.

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre

Increased access for those in the wider Defence community affected by sexual misconduct

Victoria, British Columbia

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

For the duration of this project, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre hired a counsellor to improve its existing services such as counselling, peer support, outreach, and access to services for individuals aged 13 years and older. The Centre’s services were available in English to women and all trans and gender-diverse survivors in and around the Greater Victoria Community.

Ann Davis Transition Society

Trauma Informed Counselling & Supports Program for Survivors of Military Based Sexual Misconduct

Chilliwack, British Columbia

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2025

Ann Davis Transition Society provided one-on-one counselling and group therapy to those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community. They served men, women, youth, children, couples, and families by providing a safe environment where any aspect of abuse can be discussed in confidence. Service areas included the Fraser Valley with five locations: four in Chilliwack and one in Hope. Remote services were also available.

Veterans Transition Network (VTN)

VTN’s Group Counselling for Women

Vancouver, British Columbia

Funding period: March 2023 to March 2024

This project offered a 5-day Transition Skills Course to 10 women (both active and retired military personnel) who have been affected by sexual misconduct across Canada, per year. Services were specifically designed for women to create a space for them to connect with their peers and speak openly about their experiences. VTN had sourced and trained female psychologists across Canada to enable them to provide an appropriate environment to deliver services to women affected by military sexual trauma.

Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre

Victoria and Westshore Child and Youth Advocacy Centres

Victoria, British Columbia

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre provided support to military families by offering increased access to crisis support and victim services during the investigation of child sexual abuse cases involving children and youth in the greater Victoria jurisdiction. The organization assigned a victim service advocate to each case, conducted safety planning and crisis support, offered community referrals, provided on-going communication and updates about the case for the families and affected persons, and provided court-process preparation and accompaniment.

Soutien aux hommes agressés sexuellement – Estrie (SHASE)

Adult male victim intervention and awareness for CAF

Sherbrooke, Quebec

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

SHASE provided services to adult males who are affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community and tailored services to individuals of sexual diversity by offering individual and group counselling. The organization also developed awareness activities specifically designed for CAF members and veterans.

Klinic Community Health

Training for DND/CAF practitioners to support Indigenous individuals and/or those within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who have experienced military sexual misconduct

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

Klinic conducted research to develop an evidence-based training module for DND/CAF practitioners to support Indigenous individuals and/or those within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who have experienced military sexual misconduct. Klinic also developed a report to be shared with community organizations affiliated with DND/CAF to promote greater awareness of this topic.

Family Enrichment and Counselling Service, Inc.

Building Resilience

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

This project offered four types of services: counselling, group support, psycho-educational programming, and resource navigation. By providing options to attend group and/or individual support, those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community were able to decide what met their needs and comfort level. This project allowed for those at various stages of healing to gain information, learn coping strategies and explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe environment.

St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre

Outreach, lowering barriers and preventive education for Defence community women, two-spirit, and non-binary individuals

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

Through outreach, the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council promoted its services to the Defence community. It increased its existing services by hiring an additional resource for providing counselling support, outreach, and training facilitation with the aim of minimizing barriers to care for those affected by sexual misconduct living in and around the St-John’s metropolitan area, with a specific emphasis on reaching women, two-spirit, and non-binary individuals. In addition, the Council developed and offered prevention education to the Defence community. While services were offered in English only, the Council planned to recruit a bilingual counsellor as part of this project.

NL Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

Enhancing Support Services for those impacted by sexual violence

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

This capacity building project allowed the NL Sexual Assault Crisis Centre to increase its operating hours for its 24/7 telephone line and text/web-based chat line, both of which operated on a limited schedule. Callers reached a trained volunteer who could answer questions, provide emotional support, connect a person to a resource, or simply listen to the caller. Those impacted by sexual misconduct within the Defence community in all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador were able to access the toll-free line.

Landing Strong Co-operative

Resource workbook

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

Landing Strong created a resource workbook to be a steppingstone for those affected by military sexual misconduct. The workbook provided an engaging experience with calming graphics and the incorporation of mindfulness as a part of recovery. The workbook was available both nationally and internationally, in both print and digital formats.

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre

Building Pathways to Accessing Trauma Informed Supports and Sexualized Violence Prevention

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2025

Avalon integrated CAF-linked service providers into their programs while supporting critically under-resourced services that were already being accessed by those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community. This program aimed to strengthen relationships with organizations and service providers who work with diverse populations to identify and reduced barriers to information and support services, increased communication and care coordination, improved service delivery competency, strengthened the referral process, and reduced the risk of re-traumatization for those affected by sexual misconduct. The organization expanded its programs and services in spring 2023 to communities across Nova Scotia and to gender diverse people, including men.

New Start Counselling

Beyond Zero Tolerance: Re-establishing safety and hope for those impacted by sexual misconduct

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

The goal of this project was to act as a wraparound service consisting of two components. One component consisted of education and outreach services to the Defence community, seeking to reach those who may not necessarily identify as being impacted by sexual misconduct. The second and main component was to provide therapeutic group counselling for those affected by sexual misconduct.

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre

Psychotherapy for those in the wider Defence community who have experienced sexual misconduct

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre increased services to members of the wider Defence community who have experienced sexual misconduct by hiring an additional resource to offer psychotherapy. This included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). The Centre’s services were trauma informed, client-centered, and inclusive. Their service offerings were in English only, virtually, and in-person.

White Ribbon

Allies of Quality in Defence

Toronto, Ontario

Funding period: March 2024 to March 2025

The “Allies of Quality in Defence” project provided services to the wider Defence community by building on White Ribbon’s previous CAF interventions. Through outreach and collaboration with the DND/CAF community, the project provided services to underserved communities by engaging in discussions on how intersecting identities (such as gender, gender expression, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+, racialized, language minority, neurodiversity, age, etc.) could increase individuals’ vulnerability to sexual misconduct. This project engaged with CAF bases and installations including the Royal Military College in Kingston. This project was delivered in English.

Sexual Assault Centre Kingston (SACK)

The Another Crossing Project: Rapid Access Program

Kingston, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2025

Through the Rapid Access Program, Defence community members could access sexual misconduct support quickly, and receive counselling services. This program also provided virtual counselling and phone appointments to avoid disruption of services. SACK was located close to Canadian Forces Base Kingston.

Durham Rape Crisis Centre

Serving Those in Service

Oshawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

This project was specifically designed to serve members of the Defence community through long-term individual counselling as well as group counselling services, outreach, and training; both virtual and in-person services were available. The project included outreach to address the needs that are specific to the Defence community, including the rollout of "ManMade," a supportive training specifically designed for men in an effort to break barriers about allyship and survivorship among men, and boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience for men affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community.

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa

Project Collaboration: Working together to Support Canada’s Defence Community

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2025

This project aimed to create a space for those affected by sexual misconduct within the Defence community by providing individual and/or group support, advocacy, system navigation, resources, and to share their lived experiences in a safe, accountable, confidential space with trained Peer Support Facilitators. The organization engaged the community about military sexual misconduct through outreach and offer diverse platforms for accessing peer support (i.e., phone support, in-person and virtual peer support). The target population for this project included women and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual misconduct within the Defence community and services the Ottawa area.

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC)

Resource booklet

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

CRCVC created a bilingual booklet that lists various resources and legal information designed to help those in the Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct obtain all relevant information in one location. The booklet provided information tailored for men, women and 2SLGBTQI+ people, using a victim-centred approach. CRCVC also created a video to spread awareness, educate members of the community on sexual misconduct and inform those affected by sexual misconduct about their rights.

Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW)

Ask Women Anything

Ottawa, Ontario

Funding period: February 2023 to February 2024

Ask Women Anything focused on providing education and awareness for diverse women and gender diverse people on an array of topics, including gender-based violence. The program consisted of panel discussions between two and five women and gender diverse people who are experts on a topic. The topics at hand, and the inclusion of Defence Community members on panels, allowed audience members to receive information on gender-based violence. Panels were accessible both online and in person.