The Right to Information: 
Services and Programs available to victims

Victims have the right, on request, to information about services and programs available to them.

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Services and Programs in DND-CAF

Several services and programs within the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are available to support victims of service offences.

The Canadian Armed Forces Military Police Group

The Canadian Armed Forces Military Police Group has a Victim Services Program that places the highest priority on providing support to victims and referring victims to both military and civilian community support services.

The Victim Services Program assists victims by providing:

• A victim services coordinator
• An up-to-date listing of local organizations and support groups
• Protocols with local agencies or services to ensure the victim receives the required support

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Director of Military Prosecutions

Prosecutors ensure timely information is provided to the victim throughout the court martial process. Prosecutors also ensure that the victim has been made aware of available community support services.

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For Victims of Sexual Misconduct

Chain of Command (CoC)

The Chain of Command (CoC) plays a crucial role in supporting victims in accessing services and programs. The CoC will verify at regular intervals, including after all proceedings have ended, as to whether access to the appropriate resources and support is available.

The CoC helps to determine if there are any barriers or other concerns preventing access to available support or resources.

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The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is a recognized centre of expertise that provides confidential 24/7 support services to currently serving and former CAF members and DND public service employees, executives and managers who are and/or have been affected by sexual misconduct.

Support services offered by the SMSRC are also available to families of members of the wider Defence community, including members of traditional and non-traditional families and those with significant interpersonal relations with loved ones who have been affected by sexual misconduct, as well as to Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers.

SMSRC counsellors are available to provide supportive counseling and information on available options. Upon request, they can also facilitate access to CAF and civilian resources, which may include mental and physical health services, counseling, law enforcement services, spiritual support, and assistance with administrative matters.

Currently serving and former CAF members  and DND public service employees, executives and managers who have experienced sexual misconduct may also opt in to the Response & Support Coordination program where counsellors provide an assigned and dedicated coordinator who offers ongoing support and assistance to navigate systems and processes.

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Services and Programs available outside the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces

The Victim Services Directory has been created by the Policy Centre for Victim Issues of the Department of Justice Canada to help victims locate services across Canada.

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For general information on services and programs available please visit our Resources page.