Report an incident of sexual misconduct

How to file a formal incident report and what to expect from the reporting process.

Sexual misconduct includes harassment, conduct deficiencies and crimes of a sexual nature. If you have experienced or been affected by sexual misconduct and feel ready and able to report an incident, there are formal reporting options available. You can decide which one is right for you. Support is always available.

Get support before your report

You may wish to speak with someone before deciding whether to file a formal incident report.

Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) - Provides confidential support, information and guidance to help you understand the options available to you. The centre operates independently of the chain of command. You can contact the centre whether or not you choose to report an incident. DCSRC staff can help you understand available reporting processes and what to expect, while also connecting you with support services that meet your needs.

Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) - Provides confidential guidance to help you understand your options and the processes available to you. They do not receive formal incident reports for sexual misconduct. You can contact your local CCMS centre if you would like advice before deciding how to proceed.

How to report an incident

You can report sexual misconduct through official channels within the Defence Team or to external organizations, depending on the nature of the incident.

CAF members

CAF members can report incidents of sexual misconduct through several official channels.

Chain of command

You can report an incident to your chain of command. Leaders are responsible for responding to incidents and supporting those affected.

For more information on how incidents are addressed, consult the Sexual Misconduct Incident Management Decision Tree.

Military Police

You can report a criminal offence to the local Military Police unit or to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS).

These organizations have specialized teams that investigate offences of a sexual or sensitive nature.

You may also report to your local civilian police service.

Canadian Human Rights Commission

CAF members who have experienced workplace discrimination, sexual misconduct or any form of sexual harassment related to one or more of the grounds listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act can file a complaint directly with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). They do not need to use internal complaint and conflict resolution processes before contacting the Commission. For more information, visit the CHRC Find Help web page.

Public service employees working at the Department of National Defence (DND)

DND public service employees are encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to their manager or supervisor when they are ready to do so. They may also seek advice from their union representative.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention program

Employees can report incidents of harassment and violence through the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention program.

Military Police

If the incident involves a CAF member or if it occurred at a Department of National Defence establishment, Civilian Defence Team members can report the incident to the local Military Police unit or to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS).

Civilian law enforcement

Employees may report criminal sexual offences to their local police service.