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)
- Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC): 1-844-750-1648
- Family Information Line (FIL): 1-800-866-4546
- CAF Member Assistance Program (CFMAP): 1-800-268-7708
- VAC Assistance Service 1-800-268-7708
- Canadian Forces National Investigation Services (CFNIS) Victim Assistance Program Regional numbers are available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html - Support agencies in local communities are listed at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html
Confidential civilian support lines and resources
- Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC): 1-844-750-1648
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1-800-268-7708 or TTY: 1-800-567-5803
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (SNPF) 1-800-387-4765 or TTY: 1-877-338-0275
- Canadian Forces National Investigation Services (CFNIS) Victim Assistance Program Regional numbers are available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html - Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- Support agencies in local communities are listed at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html
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
- 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
- There are local community resources available to you for support, assistance or reporting. Download the Respect in the Canadian Armed Forces mobile application and use the location guide for resources in your area. 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 - Information on community based, civilian resources is available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html- These include:
- 24/7 crisis lines
- Hospitals
- Sexual assault centres
- Shelters
- Local police
- Provincial health lines, and
- Provincial 211-listed organizations
- These include:
- Any Veteran who experienced sexual trauma during service and requires help can contact VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708. This service is a 24-hour toll-free help line that provides military and RCMP Veterans, and their families, immediate short-term mental health counseling, along with referral services, including support for mental and emotional health concerns. You can also contact Veterans Affairs Canada for information about benefits and services by phone at 1-866-522-2122 (toll free), Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, local time. More information on VAC professional, peer or spiritual services and support is available at:
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/health-support/mental-health-and-wellness/counselling-services - 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
Current employees of DND
- You can seek assistance from the Employee Assistance Program, which provides short-term counselling to employees and their eligible family members who are experiencing personal or professional difficulties that may have an adverse effect on their personal well-being and/or work performance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services.html - For immediate 24/7 assistance, call: 1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 (hearing impaired)
- Active listening services and referral services provided by internal Referral Agents (RAs)
- Short-term counselling services provided by professional mental health counsellors (Health Canada)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 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 - Health Canada’s Employee Assistance Services (EAS) has been expanded to provide support for current and former DND public servants. They may be reached at:
Employee Assistance Service (EAS)
1-800 Bilingual Crisis and Referral Centre
24 hour/7 days a week,
1-800-268-7708
TTY: 1-800-567-5803
More info:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services.html
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
- 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. Call 1-844-750-1648
- Local community resources are available on the Respect in the CAF mobile app that can be downloaded 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 - Information on community based, civilian resources is available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response/resources-search-tool.html- These include:
- 24/7 crisis lines,
- Hospitals,
- Sexual assault centres,
- Shelters,
- Local police,
- Provincial health lines, and
- Provincial 211-listed organizations
- These include:
- Crisis Services Canada has a national line for individuals in crisis and at risk of suicide:
1.833.456.4566
or
https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/ - 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 - Health Canada’s Employee Assistance Services (EAS) has been expanded to provide support for current and former DND public servants. They may be reached at:
Employee Assistance Service (EAS)
1-800 Bilingual Crisis and Referral Centre
24 hour/7 days a week,
1-800-268-7708
TTY: 1-800-567-5803
More info:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services.html