Workplace harassment and violence prevention program

6. Emergency Procedures and Support Services

Emergency Procedures

DND Employees and CAF members are to refer to the already established local base/wing/unit emergency procedures.

Normally if you witness or experience violence at work you should:

• Remove yourself from the situation if you can.
• Inform your manager or seek assistance from a co-worker immediately.
• If your manager is the perpetrator, notify another manager in the line of authority.
• If your physical security or well-being is threatened, call 911 or, if possible, press your panic button.
• Contact the Security Office as soon as you are able to do so.
• If you feel distressed, consult the list of support services once it is safe to do so.

If you are dealing with a violent person:

• Stay calm.
• Try to calm the other person or diffuse the situation.
• Avoid saying or doing anything that could aggravate the situation.
• Avoid eye contact or sudden movements that can be perceived as threatening.
• Respect the person’s personal space.
• Continue the conversation with the person only if the person calms down.
• Tell the person that you understand the reason for their anger.
• If the behaviour persists, end the conversation.
• Politely notify the person that you will leave the work area or ask them to do so.
• Notify your manager or seek assistance from a co-worker immediately (use the panic button if necessary).
• If the person refuses to leave the premises and the situation escalates, call 911 and contact the Security Office.
• If you feel distressed, consult the list of support services once it is safe to do so.

Support Services

• CAF Chaplain Services provide religious and counseling services and support and help you understand theological, moral and ethical views. They can also provide information on a wide range of topics and provide help in various ways, including crisis intervention, support and counselling, and referring you to other care providers. In an urgent situation, please contact the chaplains’ office at your closest CAF formation, base or wing. For additional information, or to contact a chaplain in a non-urgent manner you may email ChaplainMain-AumoneriePrincipale@forces.gc.ca or call 1-866-502-2203.
• Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office will provide you with support if you would like to submit a formal complaint or are dealing with conflict. Call CCMS toll free at 1-833-328-3351 or contact the local CCMS office.
• Mental health and well-being webpage provides additional support services, resources, and initiatives (accessible only on the National Defence Network).
• Military Sexual Trauma Peer Support Program, an online and face-to-face peer support program for current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who experienced sexual misconduct during their service. Email for more information SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre provides support services for currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence public service employees affected by sexual misconduct. Guidance and support for leaders and management on addressing sexual misconduct. Call 1-844-750-1648 to speak with one of the counsellors. Email: DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.
• The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program provide free, short-term professional counselling services and crisis services to CAF members and their family members. Access by calling 1-800-268-7708 | (Teletypewriter) 1-800-567-5803 24 hours a day / 365 days a year.
• The Employee Assistance Program is a professional, confidential and proactive service to support DND public service employees and their family members with a wide range of personal, family and work-related concerns. To access this service, call 1-800-663-1142, or 1-888-384-1152 (for people with hearing impairments) 24 hours a day / 365 days a year.
• The Office of Disability Management (accessible only on the National Defence network) is an impartial, collaborative and inclusive group that supports DND employees and supervisors/managers dealing with disability-related matter due to illness, impairment and injury. For further information call 1-833-893-3388.
• The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program provides a national peer support network for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families who are experiencing an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). Services can be complementary to other mental health and family support services. Call toll free at 1-800-883-6094 or send an email to OSISS-SSBSO@forces.gc.ca.
• Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Centre of Expertise provides guidance and advice on the implementation and application of the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention program and related procedures within the organization.

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