Question Period Note: SEXUAL TRAUMA SUFFERED WHILE IN THE MILITARY

• Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes and compensates for disabilities related to sexual trauma suffered while in the military.

• Both women and men can experience sexual trauma and some Veterans may have experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military. These kinds of experiences can affect Veterans’ mental and physical health, even many years later.

• Each and every Veteran who feels that they may have a service related illness or injury, being sexually related or not, is encouraged to reach out to Veterans Affairs Canada so that their needs can be discussed and support provided wherever possible.

• Veterans Affairs Canada provides a range of programs to support those who became ill or injured in the line of duty, including mental health services, disability and related health care benefits, rehabilitation services, financial benefits and support to families.

BACKGROUND – SEXUAL TRAUMA SUFFERED WHILE IN THE MILITARY

• The health and well-being of all Veterans and their families is a top priority for Veterans Affairs Canada and it is working closely with the Department of National Defence to ensure that appropriate support, which respects unique needs, is provided.

• Some Veterans may have experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military. These kinds of experiences can affect Veterans’ mental and physical health, even many years later. Each and every Veteran who feels that they may have a service-related illness or injury, sexually related or not, is encouraged to reach out to VAC so that their needs can be discussed and support provided wherever possible. Exposure to any trauma can potentially result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or another mental health disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are the most common mental health diagnoses related to experiencing sexual trauma.

• The Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service is a counselling and referral service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a free, confidential service for Veterans, their families and caregivers.

• Veterans Affairs Canada has also a well-established national network of mental health professionals who deliver mental health services to Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other operational stress injuries.

• The Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program can help with mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety or depression, by offering confidential social support provided by trained peer-support and family peer support coordinators, who typically have first-hand experience.

• Veterans Affairs Canada continues to collaborate with stakeholders on this very important subject.

• The Government of Canada has reinforced its commitment to develop and administer programs that adopt a gender-based analysis perspective. We consider unique needs from a gender and sexuality perspective in the design of programs and services.

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