Ottawa – Increasing access to support services across Canada for members of the wider Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) announced that its Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program recently began funding nine community-based service providers for eleven new projects that will provide the wider Defence community access to more support services. These projects offer supports such as crisis management, counselling services, support groups, and increased access to victim services.
Five of the new projects, three in Manitoba and two in Saskatchewan, are in areas where there had previously been no funding agreements. The six others are in Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The following nine service providers have received funding:
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
- Klinic Community Health
- Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre Inc.
- St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre
- Landing Strong Co-operative
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
- White Ribbon
- Family Services Regina
- Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre
SMSRC developed its Grant Program following requests by those in the wider Defence community affected by sexual misconduct to have access to a broader range of culturally competent, specialized care and support services outside of DND/CAF.
“Through the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program, we are increasing access to support services for survivors of sexual misconduct. This year, funding is being provided to nine community-based providers, including several organizations in provinces that previously did not have funding agreements in place. Expanding access to care across the country is a necessary step towards giving those affected by sexual misconduct the resources they need.” – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“Having access to the right resources, when and where they need them, is critical to the well-being of serving members and Veterans. The projects outlined today represent a step in this direction, by directly supporting community-based organizations, each of whom will make a difference in the lives of survivors and their families.” – Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence