Consultation report summary

Peer Support Program consultations

Participant feedback at a glance

Consultations were held in order to create a Peer Support Program that is representative of the needs of current and former CAF members who have experienced sexual misconduct and/or MST. While the engagement process began with 55 participants who initially volunteered, 26 were not in a place to participate due to their trauma or timing.

Co-facilitation

Situational flexibility

Views on the need for co-facilitators for group sessions were divided. Some indicated a need for mental health professionals to assist and others indicated preferring no professional support.

Communication

Broad communications efforts

Many were not aware of available resources after their traumatic event and hope to prevent this from happening to others.

Screening process

Safe and inclusive intake process with thorough peer supporter screening

Flexibility was viewed as essential and participants want the choice to engage in a process that best meets their needs.

Program delivery

Choice of format

Interest in various formats included in-person and virtual engagements for one-to-one meetings and small group sessions.

Safety

Confidential, discreet, and independent from the chain of command and the CAF rank structure

Importance of safety from further institutional harm and perpetrators that inflicted trauma was emphasized.

Training and experience

Peer supporters training in mental health, trauma, boundaries and ethics

Many indicated they would prefer to speak to a peer supporter with lived experience.

Demographics

Respondents had the option of responding to all or some of the questions and in the format of their choice such as: a written submission, a one-to-one interview, or a small group format.