Professional Development Library: Addressing Sexual Misconduct
Resources for conducting professional development sessions about the issue of sexual misconduct.
On this page
- Instructions for using the Professional development library
- Steps for organizing a PD session
- Facilitated discussion packages
Instructions for using the Professional Development Library
Units are encouraged to use the facilitated discussion packages in conjunction with the Facilitator’s instructions. Experienced facilitators and members who have a good depth of knowledge of the subject matter are ideal candidates to conduct facilitated discussions, but novice facilitators can conduct sessions with the help of the Facilitator’s instructions. The recommended facilitator skill level is found on the cover page of each scenario and scenarios may vary in difficulty.
Steps for organizing a PD session
Choose a topic and scenario for discussion. Facilitators are encouraged to select the appropriate scenario based on the rank and experience of the audience.
The recommended levels are:
Level Rank Basic
Private/Aviator/Sailor Third Class to Master Corporal/Master Sailor
Officer Cadet/Naval Cadet to Second Lieutenant/Acting Sub-Lieutenant
Intermediate
Master Corporal/Master Sailor to Sergeant/Petty Officer Second Class
Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant to Captain/Lieutenant (Navy)
Advanced
Warrant Officer/Petty Officer First Class and above
Major/Lieutenant-Commander and above
- Review the Facilitator’s instructions. These instructions provide helpful tips on how to conduct a facilitated discussion.
- Prepare by reviewing the facilitated discussion package. Also review other supporting materials referenced in the discussion package, and DND/CAF or external references to understand the concepts being discussed.
- Prepare relevant supporting material for participants. This includes handouts, quick reference pages, or promotional material.
- Contact the Directorate Professional Military Conduct (DPMC) with any questions or comments.
DPMC welcomes feedback and suggestions from units and facilitators on the resources provided and results of the PD sessions.
Facilitated discussion packages
These discussion packages offer information and scenarios that can be used by facilitators to guide PD discussions related to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct. Defence Team members can download the scenarios from the Professional Development Library addressing sexual misconduct on the DND intranet.
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Foundational material
"The Path to Dignity and Respect – Guiding Principles"
Introduces participants to The Path to Dignity and Respect: The Canadian Armed Forces Strategy to Address Sexual Misconduct. Information from the strategy provides the basis for all of the scenarios below. It is strongly recommended that this discussion be the first PD session in order to provide participants with a basic understanding of the strategy and the six guiding principles.
"Bystander Intervention - Addressing Sexual Misconduct"
Describes the spectrum of sexual misconduct and the concept of bystander intervention, and discusses strategies to prevent or stop someone from committing sexual misconduct.
The goal of this training is to understand the phenomenon of sexual misconduct, recognize and respond to sexual misconduct with bystander intervention strategies, and discuss applicable resources. This training makes use of six scenarios to practice bystander intervention strategies and discuss various options for intervention. This session should be delivered by a trained facilitator who can respond appropriately to participants experiencing negative reaction or emotional response to the learning content.
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Basic scenarios
“I Said No”
Topic: Supporting persons affected by sexual misconduct
Participants will learn to identify the warning signs of sexual misconduct and their responsibility to support affected persons.
Duration: 20-25 minutes
“The Unwelcomed Visitor”
Topic: Preventing incidents of sexual misconduct
Participants will learn to recognize incidents of sexual misconduct and apply bystander intervention strategies.
Duration: 20-25 minutes
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Intermediate scenarios
“The Persistent Sergeant”
Topic: Preventing incidents of sexual misconduct
Participants will learn to recognize sexual harassment and understand their responsibility to intervene.
Duration: 20-25 minutes
“Absolute Circus”
Topic: Responding to incidents of sexual misconduct
Participants will identify contributing factors that prevent intervention and determine courses of action in response to situations of sexual misconduct.
Duration: 20-25 minutes
“A Unit Activity”
Topic: Preventing incidents of sexual misconduct
Participants will identify roles/responsibilities of bystanders, recognize potential obstacles that prevent intervention, and identify the proper bystander intervention based on the situation.
Duration: 20-25 minutes
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Advanced scenarios
“A Negative Climate”
Topic: Responding to incidents of sexual misconduct
Discussions will help participants understand the impact on the unit when sexual misconduct is minimized, ignored, or excused. Participants will also discuss how to address indicators of a negative climate.
Duration: 30-45 minutes