Restorative Engagement

The Restorative Engagement program is part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)-Department of National Defence (DND) Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement (the Settlement). Restorative Engagement provides class members the opportunity to share their experience of sexual misconduct in the military workplace with a Senior Defence Representative from the DND/CAF or Staff of the Non-Public Funds (SNPF).

Restorative Practitioners will facilitate the process. They are individuals who are specially trained and qualified to facilitate culturally competent and trauma-informed restorative engagement processes.

Senior Defence Representatives are current or former CAF Members including senior officers and senior-level non-commissioned officers from all elements, and current or former senior DND and SNPF officials.

Program Objectives

Restorative Engagement has three main objectives:

1. Create a safe space for experiences of sexual misconduct to be heard, responded to, and acknowledged by DND/CAF.
2. Contribute to culture change within the military workplace by increasing awareness and understanding of the experiences of class members and the context within which harm has occurred.
3. Begin the process of restoring the relationship between class members and the CAF and DND.

Program Development

This new and innovative program is being developed by the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) in collaboration with Integrated Conflict and Complaint Management (ICCM) and in consultation with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts. SMRC and ICCM will use their respective expertise in the areas of sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination in the development and delivery of Restorative Engagement.

The work required to design and develop Restorative Engagement is in progress and the program is expected to launch in 2021. The website will be updated with more information as the program is developed.

How to participate

If you have experienced sexual misconduct in the military workplace, you may be a class member and eligible for Restorative Engagement. To participate in the Restorative Engagement program, you must submit an Individual Application/Claim Form to the Claims Administrator during the claims period between May 25, 2020 and November 24, 2021. You can submit your Claim Form requesting to be contacted by SMRC about Restorative Engagement in advance of the launch of the program.

For more information on the Settlement, the Claim Form and submission process, or to determine if you are a class member, visit CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement.

Contact

For more information on the Restorative Engagement program: Please call 1-833-998-2048 (toll-free) or email us.