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).
Today, 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.
The new Program increases the number of organizations funded by the SMSRC from 8 sexual assault centres operating in close proximity to large military bases, 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.
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 over 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.
