Question Period Note: SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVIVORS

SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVIVORS

• The Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of survivors of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.

• Veterans Affairs Canada places the highest priority on ensuring Veterans and their families, including survivors of military sexual misconduct, have the services they need when and where they need them.

• Veterans Affairs Canada has a continuum of mental health supports and services available for survivors of military sexual misconduct.

• We are ensuring survivors have access to the specialized services and supports required to appropriately address the impacts on their personal health and well-being. We are dedicated to meeting their needs.

• We are actively working with the Department of National Defence to develop supports for Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.

BACKGROUND – SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVIVORS

Under a clear mandate to the Minister of National Defence in budget 2021, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is actively working with the Department of National Defence to develop psychosocial supports for Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. This joint initiative focuses on the development of a CAF and VAC peer support program for survivors of military sexual misconduct, as part of the settlement of the Canadian Armed Forces - Department of National Defence Sexual Misconduct Class Action (also known as the Heyder-Beattie Class Action), and the requirement to fulfill legal obligations related to the implementation of the restorative engagement program under the final settlement agreement.

VAC places the highest priority on ensuring Veterans and their families, including survivors of military sexual misconduct, have the services they need when and where they need them. With the understanding that military sexual trauma impacts everyone differently, our commitment to supporting the diverse needs of survivors of sexual misconduct can be found in a number of areas:

• At our 11 Operational Stress Injury Clinics across the country, there are multidisciplinary teams with expertise in military-related traumas;
• As not all Veterans live in the major cities across Canada, there are nine satellite service sites to help Veterans access face-to-face services closer to where they live;
• Veterans have access to a network of more than 12,000 mental health professionals across Canada, and the VAC Assistance Service offers Veterans one-on-one mental health services 365 days a year, 24/7.

Veterans and/or CAF members who have a physical or mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and/or physical conditions, are encouraged to apply to VAC for disability benefits. VAC has a dedicated unit to process these applications.

In March 2020, VAC announced its Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans. The office was created in July 2019, and is identifying systemic issues specific to women and LGBTQ2 Veterans, and to advance gender equality, diversity and inclusion for all Veterans.

Veterans Affairs Canada is working closely with the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, to expand its services to Veterans who experience military sexual trauma.

These initiatives are part of the implementation of supports announced in Budget 2021, that address broader Government of Canada objectives related to the National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence, and addressing sexual misconduct and culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces.

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