Stag Special
Increasing access to support services across Canada for those in the Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a top priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Recently, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) announced funding to 30 community-based service providers for 32 projects through the new Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program (The Program).
The Program funds projects led by not-for-profit Canadian, community-based, organizations with the capacity and expertise to support those affected by sexual misconduct in the wider Defence community. Each project will receive either one-time funding of up to $50,000 or recurrent funding of up to $75,000 annually, for a maximum of three years.
“Survivors of sexual misconduct in our institution deserve comprehensive support and access to care. Through the innovative Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program, we are increasing access to a range of support services, and helping to ensure the wellbeing of our Defence community,” said Minister of National Defence Anita Anand. “At the same time, we are working to create an institutional culture that enables every member of our team to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel protected and respected.”
The new Program increases the number of organizations funded by the SMSRC from eight sexual assault centres operating in close proximity to large military Bases/Wings, to 30 community-based service providers located across Canada. This provides the wider Defence community access to more support services independent from the CAF and DND.
“For anyone who experienced sexual misconduct during their military career, the journey of healing is not something they should have to go through alone,” said Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Lawrence MacAulay. “We have to keep doing more to help. Today’s recipients will provide the kind of support Veterans, serving CAF members and DND public servants need when they need it. I encourage anyone who has been affected by military sexual trauma to reach out.”
Successful applicants showed innovation in reaching those affected in rural and remote areas, Black people, Indigenous peoples, other racialized groups, linguistic minorities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+, and those who may not be able to access support in person.
With investments of $10-million during the next five years from Budget 2021, the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program contributes to the objective of National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence which is a commitment of federal, provincial and territorial governments.
It also supports DND’s approach to building comprehensive support structures through dialogue with survivors, increasing scope and access to support and resources.
“This announcement represents another step forward in preventing gender-based violence, and supporting victims and survivors as well as their families. This funding builds on the tremendous work underway to end gender-based violence through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence and the Federal Gender-based Violence Strategy,” said Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien.
“Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for your dedication in providing critical supports that enable individuals to have a safe place to access the services they need. Our hope is that one day, this kind of critical support will no longer be needed.”
Sexual Misconduct Support and Resouce Centre, Department of National Defence COO Linda Rizzo Michelin added, “Since 2019, the SMSRC has been providing funds to civilian sexual assault centres located near nine of the largest Canadian Forces bases in its Contribution Program. The new Grant Program is more flexible; it supports funding to community-based service providers anywhere in Canada that can implement new projects and support members of the Defence community who live in underserved communities.
“We are continuously working to provide more support services to those affected by sexual misconduct and are delighted that we are now able to support funding to 30 organizations, 22 more than we funded in the contribution program.”
Quick Fact
• The SMSRC manages the Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program, which ends March 31 and has been replaced by the new Grant Program.
• The new Grant Program was developed in response to requests of those affected by sexual misconduct in the Defence community to have access to a broader range of culturally competent, specialized care and support services.
• The grant program allows for increased collaboration between community-based and CAF service providers such as found in bases, support units and Canadian Forces Health Services Centres.