Survivor Support Consultation Group: Summary Report 2021

Schedule N – Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)/Department of National Defence (DND) Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement

September 2021

Table of contents

• Acronyms
• Executive Summary
• A Note about Language
• Part I – Introduction and Context
  • Introduction
    • A Rapidly Evolving Landscape
    • Moving Forward
    • Guiding Principles
    • Key Themes, Goals, and Recommendations
    • The Need to Ground Efforts in Culture Change
  • Context
• Part II – About the Work of the Survivor Support Consultation Group
  • Background: Schedule N, Survivor Support Consultations
    • Mandate
    • Participants
    • Secretariat Support
    • Linkages to Key DND/CAF Commitments
  • Process and Approach
    • Start-up Meeting (26-27 February 2020)
    • Planning
    • Informational Briefings (19 August – 10 December 2020)
    • SME Presentations and Reports (February – June 2021)
    • Next Steps
  • Logic Model
  • Timelines and Deliverables
• Part III – General Observations of the SSCG
  • General Observations
    • The military context, structure, and culture give rise to unique challenges and impacts
    • There are also unique logistical considerations when it comes to developing a robust system of support for the CAF
    • A ‘one-size-fits all’ approach to support does not work
• Part IV – Overarching Framework and Guiding Principles
  • Overarching Framework
  • Guiding Principles
    • Trauma-informed
    • Cultural humility
    • Survivor-centred
• Part V – Key Themes, Goals and Recommendations
  • Overview of Key Themes, Goals, and Recommendations
  • Engagement, Partnerships, and Research
    • Elevate engagement, collaboration, and partnerships
    • Address data-related issues and continue to build the evidence base
  • Support
    • Create a well-coordinated, seamless, and accessible model of support
    • Customize approaches to address the needs of specific groups of survivors
    • Reduce stigma and break isolation at all levels
    • Modernize reporting options
  • Training
    • Enhance support provider capacity and competency
    • Form leaders with relational skills
  • Communication and Information
    • Improve the quality and accessibility of information
  • Accountability
    • Embed governance structures, accountability, and commitment
• Annexes
  • Annex 1 – Schedule “N” – Survivor Support Consultations
  • Annex 2 – Draft Sexual Misconduct Support Strategy Framework for Consultation with the SSCG (March 2020)
  • Annex 3 – Initial Questions to Guide the Work of the SSCG
  • Annex 4 – Subject Matter Expert Biographies
  • Annex 5 – Standard Questions Provided to DND/CAF Organizations to Guide Informational Briefings Provided to the SSCG
  • Annex 6 – Meeting Agendas – Informational Briefings by DND/CAF Representatives
  • Annex 7 – Standard Questions Provided to Subject Matter Experts to Guide Development of Presentations to the SSCG
  • Annex 8 – SME Reports
    • Supporting Survivors of Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces: Recommendations to Inform the Development of the Survivor Support Strategy
    • Working Together for a Better Future: Support Strategy for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members Affected by Sexual Misconduct (the Support Strategy)
    • Final Report to the Survivor Support Consultation Group
  • Annex 9 – Logic Model: Schedule N, Victim/Survivor Support Consultations