Join a Virtual Coffee Chat for Men Affected by Sexual Misconduct and Military Sexual Trauma

January 20, 2024 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, is hosting coffee chats for men affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma (MST) in March.

In response to feedback from community members, this activity will help men who have experienced sexual misconduct make connection and feel supported.

Virtual Coffee Chats are for men from diverse backgrounds. Men can support each other and be among those who share a sense of similar lived experiences in a drop-in space.

These informal and inclusive discussions will be available virtually to men 18 years and older who are either current or former (Veterans):

• CAF members
• DND public service employees
• Cadets
• Junior Canadian Rangers

Each virtual coffee chat will be facilitated by a Peer Support Program staff member who has extensive experience supporting men affected by sexual misconduct and MST and facilitating men's groups.

Whether to discuss trauma, masculinity, healing, wellbeing after trauma or more, men will have the opportunity to talk about what matters to them and share ways to cope. Everyone will be invited to express their thoughts and emotions freely, without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Before joining any Peer Support Program services, interested participants must register and complete forms in which they commit to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of those who participate. The forms also include a privacy statement describing how personal information is securely stored and under what specific circumstances this information could be shared.

English coffee chats

• Monday, March 10, 2025; 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
• Wednesday, March 19, 2025; 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
• Monday, March 24, 2025; 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST

French coffee chats

• Wednesday, March 12, 2025; 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
• Monday, March 17, 2025; 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
• Wednesday, March 26, 2025; 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST

If you are a man who is looking for support and resources for your healing journey, this activity is for you. Register before February 28, 2025, by emailing the Peer Support Program.

For anyone interested in learning about the full range of peer support services available for people affected by sexual misconduct, please consult the list of SMSRC Peer Support Program services and activities.

For more information or to join this event, please reach out to SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca or the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648.