Question Period Note: SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers a full range of programs and supports for those injured or ill in the line of service – including those impacted by sexual misconduct.
• VAC is working closely with the Department of National Defence’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) to enhance supports for those affected.
• Working with people with lived experience, the Peer Support Program was developed and launched in June 2023, offering formal and informal groups, as well as peer support activities. Eligible participants include CAF members and Veterans, DND public service employees (current or former), Canadian Coast Guard personnel, and Cadets or Junior Canadian Rangers.
• These peer support program services continue today with over 300 sessions delivered since the launch.
• These efforts reflect commitments from Budget 2021 and align with the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and support culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Under a clear mandate from Budget 2021, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is working with the Department of National Defence (DND) to ensure Veterans affected by Sexual Misconduct (SM) have timely access to support. This includes peer support programs and services offered through DND’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). In October 2025, Treasury Board approved permanent program funding for VAC for the Peer Support Program for survivors of military sexual misconduct. As a result, the Peer Support Program is anticipated to continue on an ongoing basis as a sustained federal initiative supporting individuals affected by sexual misconduct.
Core Supports for Veterans
VAC prioritizes the well-being of Veterans and their families. Current supports include:
• Access to SMSRC services – confidential 24-7 phone line and ongoing assistance.
• VAC Assistance Service – one to one mental health support, free of charge, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics – 10 outpatient Operational Stress Injury (OSI) and 11 OSI satellite service sites with multi-disciplinary teams specializing in military-related trauma.
• National Provider network – access to VAC registered mental health professionals across Canada.
Veterans or CAF members with SM-related health conditions, such as PTSD or depression, are encouraged to apply for VAC disability benefits. A dedicated unit processes these claims. Veterans in Canada applying for certain mental health conditions automatically qualify for up to two years of mental health coverage while their application is processed.
Targeted Initiatives
VAC and DND are collaborating to expand SM-specific supports, including:
• Office of Women and 2SLGBTQI+ (established March 2020) – advancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Access to SMSRC supports (since December 2021) – complementing VAC benefits and compensation for service-related SM.
• Peer Support Program – co-developed in response to the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Heyder-Beattie Class Action settlement:
o 14 Formal Groups
o 6 Informal Groups
o Peer Support Activities – 147 sessions completed, with over 60 upcoming (activities include: Zentangle art therapy, Virtual Coffee Chats, Trauma-Informed Yoga, and events for Remembrance Day and the holiday season)

Heyder-Beattie Class Action
• 23,969 claims approved for payment (per Court-appointed Claims Administrator).
• VAC created a Dedicated Unit (May 25, 2020) to process related applications on a priority basis.
• Unit continues to adjudicate sexual trauma claims.
• Between June 1, 2020 – March 18, 2026: 6,134 applications adjudicated, 93% favourability rate.

Peer Support Program – Consultations
• Co-developed with Persons With Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) using a human-centred design.
• Fall 2021: consultations helped shape program; report published March 29, 2022.
• Ongoing feedback: post-session surveys + exit interviews guide updates.
• May 2024: SMSRC Partnerships Team conducted six community consultations; summary report shared with project team in November 2024.
• June–July 2024: four virtual information sessions were conducted open to the public and community members (English & French, with live Q&A).

Current Peer Support Services
• Formal Peer Support Group: Up to ten 90-minute virtual sessions, co-facilitated by a trained peer supporter with lived experience and a mental health worker. Structured educational materials guide discussion on trauma, moral injury, coping, and self-care.
• Informal Peer Support Group: Up to eight 75–90-minute virtual drop-in sessions led by trained peer supporters with lived experience. Topics are flexible and driven by participant needs. Focusing on peer connection and mutual support.
• Peer Support Activities: A variety of casual peer support activities help participants connect (e.g., art therapy, virtual coffee chats, seasonal events).

Peer Support Impact
100% of survey respondents said they would recommend the Peer Support Program services to other peers, across Formal Group, Informal Group, Coffee Chats, Yoga, and Peer Activities. (Data: Fall 2025)

Training & Support
All peer supporters and mental health workers complete orientation training on peer support, trauma-informed care, crisis management, and self-care, led by VAC staff.