Harassment and violence in the workplace – CAF members

You can learn about your rights and responsibilities by consulting the following on-line resources:

• Harassment prevention services in the CAF.

• Your rights and responsibilities are described in DAOD 5012-0.
• Harassment Prevention and Resolution Instructions are available only on the Defence Team Intranet CAF Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution page. If you are unable to access the Intranet, contact your supervisor or our office for assistance.
• Human rights and discrimination directives are found in DAOD 5516-0 and DAOD 5012-0.
• Alternative dispute resolution in the Canadian Armed Forces. 

You should also consult the Conflict Solutions and Services program. This service helps Defence Team members submit, track, and resolve complaints. To explore your options or submit a formal complaint, contact a Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office.

Be aware that you have the right to receive assistance from someone in a position of responsibility.

Finally, be sure to document any measures you take to resolve the matter.

Under the Harassment Prevention and Resolution Instructions, which are available only on the Defence Team Intranet, the complaint resolution process should normally last no more than six months. Factors such as operational deployments or extended sick leave can affect the resolution of the complaint.

Responsible Officers (RO) must keep complainants and respondents informed during a workplace harassment or violence complaint process. Responsible Officers (RO) must acknowledge receipt of a complaint and notify the respondent within seven calendar days.

For information about the RO’s responsibilities and timelines, review the Harassment Prevention and Resolution Instructions. These Instructions are available only on the Defence Team Intranet.

If the RO is not keeping you informed about the investigation’s process, write a memorandum to your commanding officer requesting an update and submit it to your chain of command. If you receive no response within 30 days, send a follow-up memorandum with a copy of the original.

You can also request an update through the Conflict Solutions and Services program. Contact a Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office to confirm the status of a complaint.

Submit a grievance to your commanding officer. You can refer to Grievances in the Canadian Armed Forces for more information.

You can also contact a Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office to explore your complaint resolution options. Remember that pursuing a resolution informally does not extend the deadlines of the applicable formal process.

Contact our office if compelling reasons prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels. Compelling reasons could include involvement of the chain of command, time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family. Where compelling reasons exist, our office can ensure the appropriate parties are aware of your circumstances.