Why your participation in the 2022 Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF Matters

December 7, 2022 - Defence Stories

On October 11, 2022, Statistics Canada (StatCan) began collecting data for its Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF (SSMCAF). StatCan distributed invitations to more than 80,000 Canadian Armed Forces members in the Regular Force and the Primary Reserve by mail or email.

The deadline for participation has been extended. You now have until January 26, 2023 to participate.

This is the third time StatCan is running the SSMCAF. We have taken important steps to prevent and address sexual misconduct in the CAF since the last survey in 2018, such as improving policies and expanding support for those affected. But there is much more work to do. As explained in the CDS and CAF CWO message, this survey is a vital tool to guide our efforts in doing this work. The survey is voluntary, but we strongly encourage all members who received an invite to participate.

We appreciate that for some this survey may be difficult to complete. If you haven’t filled it out yet and it’s possible for you to complete it, please do so. Should you or someone you know need help or support, please reach out to the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (24/7) if you feel comfortable doing so. Information about a range of support services is available.

Some answers to your questions:

• What is the SSMCAF?
  • The SSMCAF is a large-scale survey of CAF members’ experiences involving military sexual misconduct. The SSMCAF is the only wide-reaching, independent source of information on sexual misconduct of the CAF.
  • The SSMCAF is repeated to compare data over time, to help us determine trends and identify issues.
  • The SSMCAF measures:
    • the prevalence and nature of self-reported sexual misconduct within the military workplace or involving military members;
    • the prevalence and nature of discriminatory behaviours based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
    • military members' perceptions of the CAF's response to the issue of sexual misconduct; and
    • The CAF's progress in addressing sexual misconduct.
    • All information provided from participants for this survey is confidential.

• What does the survey ask?
  • The SSMCAF asks a series of questions on the prevalence and nature of sexual misconduct in the CAF in the last 12 months.
  • It also asks questions on policies, programs, and initiatives that provide support.

• Why does my participation matter?
  • This survey offers all members the opportunity to be open and frank about what they are seeing and experiencing on the ground—without concerns of triggering a formal reporting process or reprisals.
  • All members’ perspectives are important, whether or not they have been directly affected by sexual misconduct.
  • CAF leadership must have accurate and up-to-date statistics to ensure that policies and programs reflect the needs of CAF members.
  • This survey will help identify improvements, and bring to light the areas that need more support and attention.
  • Updated survey results will shape our continuing efforts to foster a Defence Team culture that is inclusive and respectful of each of our members.

• How do I participate?
  • StatCan has issued invitations to most members of the Regular Force and the Primary Reserve.
  • StatCan is using the contact information from Guardian. If you have a DWAN email address in Guardian for your primary contact, you need DWAN to access the invite. If you do not have a DWAN email address in Guardian, then you should have received your invitation by mail.
  • Surveys can be completed up to January 26, 2023.

If you have more questions on the survey, or have not received an invite and would like to participate, contact StatCan for more information.

Thank you for your participation in the SSMCAF!

References

• CANFORGEN 145/22 CPCC 003/22 061854Z OCT 22
• CDS and the CAF CWO message
• Maple Leaf article: Participate in the Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF
• StatCan Information page: Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF