Support and Assistance

You may find filling out the Claim Form to be difficult and may trigger painful memories. We encourage you to seek support from a family member, counselor, treating health care professional, friend, or the support network that is available for assistance and support.

A range of confidential online or telephone options are available through the resources listed in this section to assist with the claims process, immediate help, ongoing support or reporting. While some are unique to specific class members, you can seek support and information on your options from the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which offers confidential and bilingual assistance, 24/7 at 1-844-750-1648.

Confidential support lines and resources for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

Confidential civilian support lines and resources

Current members

  • You can seek support and information on your options from the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which offers confidential and bilingual assistance, 24/7 at 1-844-750-1648. The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre is independent from the chain of command.
  • Download the Respect in the CAF mobile application. The app is interactive and provides support and guidance if you are a victim of sexual misconduct, a bystander, or someone supporting a victim. This is a free download from your mobile device’s app store – Android, iOS or BlackBerry. Go to your app store or visit the CAF mobile app page at:
    http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-support-services/download-respect-caf.page
    or
    http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/stay-connected/mobile-apps.page
  • The list of community based resources in the Respect in the CAF are also available on the Operation HONOUR webpage:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html
  • If you are considering informing the chain of command, you can make a report at any time. Reporting is intended to initiate additional support. The chain of command is responsible for ensuring the well-being of their subordinates and for responding promptly and decisively to all incidents of sexual misconduct. There are many resources and options to provide support and guidance on how to proceed. If you have concerns about the chain of command, you can contact the SMRC, CFNIS, Chaplains, Health Services, ICCM or CFMAP and you can bring your complaint to someone you trust outside of your direct chain of command for support with the reporting process.
  • Members can receive assistance from local Conflict and Complaint Management Services offices to discuss issues of inappropriate sexual behaviour in order to obtain informal (e.g., supervisor intervention, mediation, etc) or formal options for resolution (e,g, harassment complaint, grievance), submit and track complaints. This is a system which combines the harassment, grievance and alternative dispute resolution systems in a streamlined fashion. For assistance, contact your local or nearest CCMS office:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/integrated-conflict-complaint-management.html
  • If you wish to proceed with a formal criminal complaint, you have the option of reporting to a local Military Police unit, civilian police, or directly to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS). CFNIS has specially-trained teams who deal exclusively with offences of a sexual or sensitive nature and also provide Victim Assistance. Regional contact information is available at:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/canadian-forces-millitary-police-group.html#cfnis
  • The SMRC can also connect you to an CFNIS officer for further information on the reporting and investigative processes.

Former members

Current employees of DND

Current and former employees of SNPF

  • CFMWS has contracted its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, Lifeworks, to offer a dedicated support-line for previous and current employees who may wish to speak to someone if they are considering or have filed a claim. Through this dedicated support line, trained counsellors are available in either official languages to refer clients to appropriate resources to file a claim and /or discuss any concerns that you may have about engaging in the claim process. You can reach the support line by calling toll-free 1-855-232-7825; TTY 1-877-338-0275 and will operate from October 2020 to November 2021.
    • There is no cost to use your EFAP. This benefit is provided to all SNPF employees and their immediate family members. Use EFAP services for short-term issue resolution and if you need more specialized or longer-term support, EFAP can suggest an appropriate specialist or service that is best suited to your needs. While fees for these additional services are your responsibility, they may be covered by your provincial or NPF health plan.
  • The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre can assist you to identify resource options in your community and provide support until you have connected with those services as well as any time you require assistance. Call 1-844-750-1648
  • If you wish to proceed with a formal criminal complaint, you have the option of reporting to a local Military Police unit, to civilian police, or directly to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS). CFNIS has specially trained teams who deal exclusively with offenses of a sexual or sensitive nature and also provide Victim Assistance. Regional contact information for the CFNIS is available at:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/canadian-forces-millitary-police-group.html#cfnis

Former DND and SNPF Employees