Military Sexual Trauma Peer Support Program model
Following a consultation process and what we heard from the MST community, we developed a program model which sets out the different features and options that will be offered through the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Peer Support Program. To ensure the safety of participants and the screening, hiring and training of peer supporters, we will be launching the MST Peer Support Program through a phased approach.
The first feature of the program to launch will be the group discussion board which will be available through the online platform. Stay tuned as we share more details about this online feature in the coming weeks.
Once fully launched, participants who join the program will also have the option between the following features:
Program model for peer support
One-on-one virtual meeting platform: Participants will be matched with a peer that has been hired and trained as a peer supporter and has experienced military sexual trauma. This option will be available virtual through a meeting platform for those who are not yet comfortable in meeting their peers in-person.
One-on-one in-person: Participants will be matched with a peer that has been hired and trained as a peer supporter and has experienced military sexual trauma. Locations of in-person meetings will be chosen based on preferences on and that is neutral and safe for both individuals.
In-person formal group with a mental health professional: These groups will be created based on identity factors and start at a specific date for a period of 12 weeks. It will also include facilitation by a mental health professional.
Group virtual meeting platform: Formal and informal groups will be offered virtually through a meeting platform for participants who are not yet comfortable in meeting in-person.
In-person informal groups: These groups will be open to all program participants and they will be able to join and leave the group as they choose. It will also only include peers, no mental health professional will facilitate.
Group discussion board: This peer support discussion board will be available through the online platform Togetherall. Participants will be able to join by creating a pseudonym and remain anonymous while using the discussion boards. This option will become available later in June 2022.
One-on-one text and chat mobile app: The SMSRC will launch a text and chat mobile application for those who wish to communicate with a trained counsellor from SMSRC. Once peer supporters have been hired and trained, they will be able to communicate with them through this application.
Participants will have the flexibility to change from one format to another at any time. The only exception will be the formal groups which will comprise a limited number of participants and be closed for the duration of the group session (12 weeks). Participants will be able to join future formal groups when planned.
Get involved
If you are a current or former CAF member affected by sexual misconduct and are interested in trying out features of the peer support program we are currently developing, you may send an email to: SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.
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