Connect over coffee with peers affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma
October 14, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:45
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), is hosting the Fall edition of the virtual Peer Support Coffee Chat series: an informal and safe discussion for individuals affected by sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma. These chats offer participants a supportive and judgement-free space to connect with others.
The coffee chats are open to all CAF members, Veterans, DND public service employees, cadets and junior Canadian rangers, 18 years and older. While participants are asked not to disclose personal details of their experiences, they are encouraged to share things related to their trauma such as how their experiences have affected them, the support they are seeking, their personal journey, and more.
How to join the chats?
Sessions start on October 6 and are facilitated by mental health workers in both English and French. Interested participants can choose one of the following chat groups and join on an ongoing basis:
English sessions
| Group | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Men | October 6 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT |
| October 20 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 3 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 17 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 1 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 15 (Holiday, optional) | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| 2SLGBTQI+ | October 6 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT |
| October 20 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 3 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 17 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 1 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 15 (Holiday, optional) | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| Open to all: women, men, and 2SLGBTQI+ | October 14 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET |
| October 28 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET | |
| November 25 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET | |
| December 9 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET |
French sessions
| Group | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Men | October 6 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT |
| October 20 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 3 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 17 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 1 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 15 (Holiday, optional) | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST | |
| 2SLGBTQI+ | October 6 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT |
| October 20 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 3 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EDT | |
| November 17 | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 1 | 11:45–1:00 p.m. EST | |
| December 15 (Holiday, optional) | 2:45–4:00 p.m. EST |
If you are looking for connection and understanding to support your healing journey, the peer support coffee chats are for you. For more information and to register, reach out to the Peer Support team at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.