Program services

On this page

• Eligibility
• Activities
• Support groups
• Feedback
• Contact us

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• be a current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, Veteran, Department of National Defence (DND) public service employee, Canadian Coast Guard personnel, Cadet, Junior Canadian Ranger, or part of the Defence Community;
• have experienced sexual misconduct during your service or in the defence environment;
• have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection;
• have access to Microsoft Teams, either through the desktop/mobile app or a supported web browser (note: Safari is not supported);
• for group services, be willing to take part in a virtual discussion with a Peer Support Program staff before the first group session.

Activities

The peer support activities offer participants opportunities to connect, learn, reflect, and take part in discussions with others. Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Mini-series
• Workshops
• Events and guest speakers

Activities are offered in both official languages to various groups based on available resources. Participants are asked not to share personal details of their experiences. However, they are encouraged to freely discuss how their experiences have affected them, the support they are seeking, and topics they are comfortable sharing. Participants can participate without discussing personal experiences.

To sign up, send an email to dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca.

Yoga

Free online yoga classes are available for people affected by sexual misconduct. These classes provide opportunities for movement, breathing, and reflection.You don’t need any yoga experience to join. Classes use trauma-informed practices. Participants choose how to participate: they may adjust or stop movements at any time and may keep their camera on or off. A mental health worker will be available if you need extra support.

Trauma-Informed Yoga:

A gentle yoga class for all levels and conditions. No yoga experience required. Chair yoga options and posture modifications are available to support people with reduced mobility or injuries. Each class provides a space to explore gentle movement and help reconnect with your body.

• Duration: 75 minutes
• Language: English and French
• Hosted by: A certified yoga instructor

Yoga Flow for Beginners:

An easy and supportive introduction to yoga flow, practiced on a mat.
Sessions include simple movements, steady pacing, and easy-to-follow instructions. Participants can choose movement variations that work best for their bodies.
This class is designed to support relaxation and build body awareness and confidence with basic yoga movements.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Language: English and French
• Hosted by: A certified yoga instructor

Registration is open and on an ongoing basis. This means you can sign up once and attend as many sessions as you like. To sign up, send an email to  dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca.

Coffee Chats

The Coffee Chats offer people, affected by sexual misconduct, a flexible and inclusive space to connect and support each other, as part of the Peer Support Program. These chats offer a chance to talk, reflect, and come together with other peers without pressure. They help participants feel seen, heard, and supported. Coffee Chats can also help people take the first step towards more support, including those who are waiting to join formal peer support group services.

• Group duration: 60 minutes each.
• Hosted by: Mental health worker and/or a peer supporter.
• Discussion topics: Discussions are guided by participant needs.
• Commitment: Drop-in, meaning once signed up, participation is flexible. You can attend as many as you like.

To sign up, send an email to dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca.

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Support groups

Our support groups offer opportunities to connect with others, share experiences, and explore coping and wellness strategies. Participants choose what they are comfortable sharing. There is no pressure to disclose personal details or engage in every session. Sessions are free, held online through MS Teams and available in English or French.

Participants must sign up in advance of the first session. We invite you to participate in one or more groups.

Learning Together Peer Support Group

This group combines learning activities with peer support. Participants can explore topics, reflect on lived experiences, and connect with others through facilitated and informal discussions. Each group includes:

• Four facilitated discussions on selected themes
• Four informal peer-led discussions guided by participant interests and needs

Themes change for each new group. Participants choose how they participate and what they are comfortable sharing

• Group duration: Up to 8 virtual sessions held weekly; 90 minutes each
• Hosted by: A mental health worker and a trained peer supporter
• Group size: Up to 8 participants per group
• Commitment: Closed group, meaning no new participants can join after the first session. We recommend that participants attend all group sessions.

To participate, please send an email to dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca by Tuesday September 29, 2026.

Peer Connect: Informal Group

Peer Connect gives participants opportunities to connect with others, share lived experiences and engage in group discussions.

Discussion topics are chosen collaboratively during the sessions and guided by the participants interests, experiences, and needs.

• Group duration: Up to 8 virtual sessions held weekly; 90 minutes each
• Hosted by: A trained peer supporter and a mental health worker
• Discussion topics: Discussions are guided by participants' needs. While participants are asked not to disclose personal details of their experiences, they are encouraged to freely discuss how their experiences have affected them, the support they are seeking, their personal journey, and more.
• Group size: Up to 10 participants per group
• Commitment: Closed group, meaning no new participants can join after the first session. Once signed up, participation is flexible; you can attend as many sessions as you like.

To participate, please send an email to dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca by Tuesday September 1, 2026.

Seasonal Activities and Workshops

Earth Rhythm Meditation and Writing

This seasonal meditation and writing workshop uses meditation and writing techniques to help you slow down, pause and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

Each session starts with a guided meditation to quiet your mind and body and help you focus on the present moment. Writing is used as a mindfulness activity practice to help you notice and explore what feels important to you.

This workshop follows the changing seasons. As nature moves through times of growth, rest and renewal, the workshop helps you notice how your own changes too.

You do not need writing experience to participate. You can take part at your own pace. This workshop is about being present and aware rather than writing perfectly or producing finished work.

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Language: English and French
• Hosted by: A certified yoga instructor

To participate, send an email to dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca.

Feedback

Your feedback matters and helps us improve the support we offer.

After participation, you may be invited to fill out a short online survey. It’s anonymous, voluntary, and helps us understand what’s working and what could be better.

You might also be asked if you’d like to have a one-on-one chat with a staff member to share more about your experience.

As we collect and review feedback, our team will use your ideas to make the program even better.

From a peer: “Being a participant was a great benefit, allowed me to be vulnerable, speak and share. Felt empowering to be a part of the community. To connect and be validated.”

Contact us

For more information, contact us by email at dcsrcpsp-csrcdpsp@forces.gc.ca.

You can also call the DCSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648, and a counsellor will refer you to the program.

Fill out the form to provide your feedback or to file a complaint.

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