A flexible restorative engagement process to address sexual misconduct
November 16, 2021 - Defence Stories
The Restorative Engagement program is launching this week on November 15, 2021. Note that the initial group contacted to participate this fall will be small in order to ensure that all of the necessary resources, supports and systems are in place to proceed to contact a larger group of class members, beginning in 2022. The program will remain in place until all eligible claimants of the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement have had the opportunity to participate.
If you are a class member participating in the Restorative Engagement program, you can choose flexible options which will allow you to:
- share as much or as little as you would like about your experiences of sexual misconduct, the harm you suffered, how it was or was not responded to, and the impact it has on your life
- share your thoughts about the causes of sexual misconduct and what needs to be different
- participate in activities intended to inform and effect change in the Defence Team
- communicate with one or more Defence representatives in-person, virtually, by phone or through an exchange of recorded or written messages
- submit audio recordings, videos, letters, statements or art with or without requiring a response
- participate individually or with other persons who have experienced sexual misconduct
- involve a support person
While class members cannot participate with complete anonymity, because their identity will be known to program staff, they can choose the option of remaining anonymous to Defence representatives. Experiences, insights, recordings, and messages can be submitted or shared anonymously. This is within your control as a class member as you will make choices about how to participate.
Restorative practitioners will work with you to accommodate your needs and choices as much as possible. If you choose to engage with others who have experienced sexual misconduct or Defence representatives, practitioners will work with you individually to prepare for those sessions. What you share within restorative engagement will be confidential within legal limitations and participation is voluntary. You are in control of the information you provide and what you choose to share is welcomed.
Current and former Defence Team members who experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender or LGBTQ2+ discrimination in a military workplace can request to participate in restorative engagement by submitting a claim no later than 24 November 2021. A claim can be modified to express interest in restorative engagement before or after that date as long as the claim is submitted before 24 November 2021.
More information about the Restorative Engagement program: Canada.ca/Restorative-Engagement