Military sexual trauma

X
Exit quickly
Have you been affected by sexual trauma during service? There is support for you, from talking to someone right away to getting access to ongoing supports and resources.

Where can I get help?

Help is available if you, or someone you are caring for, are affected by sexual trauma that occurred during your service:

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)

Veterans, CAF members and their families can access the Department of National Defence’s (DND) Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). You will receive confidential support, information on options and resources, and personalized referrals to services.

There are peer support groups and you can learn more about taking part by contacting the SMSRC.

Contact the SMSRC

By phone:

Call 1-844-750-1648  (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

If calling from outside North America, visit their website to learn how to contact the SMSRC.

Or

By email:

Write to DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca

VAC Assistance Service

Speak to a mental health professional immediately at 1-800-268-7708 or TDD/TTY 1-800-567-5803. The VAC Assistance Service is a 24-hour, toll-free helpline for military and RCMP Veterans, their families and caregivers. The helpline provides immediate short-term mental health counseling with a professional, referral services, and support for mental and emotional health concerns. You do not already need to be a VAC client to access this service.

Ongoing support through VAC benefits and services

We provide a range of programs and supports for Veterans, CAF members, and serving or former RCMP who have become ill or injured in the line of duty, including those affected by sexual trauma. Our programs and services include:

Start by applying for disability benefits. You can apply for any medical condition that is linked to sexual trauma during service, with supporting medical information from a physician, nurse practitioner or psychologist.

If you are already a VAC client, talk to your VAC representative or message us via My VAC Account about available supports. If you are new to VAC or need advice on how to proceed, call us at 1-866-522-2122 | TDD/TTY 1-833-921-0071.

Applying for VAC disability benefits

Veterans, CAF members, and serving or former RCMP are encouraged to apply for VAC disability benefits for any medical condition linked to sexual trauma during service, such as post traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, or any other psychological or physical condition.

There are two components to the application package:

  • details about your medical condition, which must include supporting medical information from a physician, nurse practitioner or psychologist to identify your diagnosed chronic or permanent medical condition
  • an applicant statement, which must demonstrate the relationship between the medical condition and your service. Your applicant statement does not need to describe the incident(s). This statement is used to link the illness or injury to your service.

Apply for disability benefits online through My VAC Account or by mailing in a completed application form. Learn more about applying for disability benefits.

We have updated how we review disability benefit applications for medical conditions resulting from sexual trauma during service. You may be able to apply to VAC for departmental review or request reconsideration even if you have not been granted VAC benefits for past claims arising from sexual trauma.

Updated policies

You can see the three updated policies here:

Peer support and other programs

Peer support

VAC and the SMSRC offer trauma-informed, inclusive and accessible peer support programs for Veterans and members affected by military sexual trauma during their service or in their workplace. Peer support is the giving and receiving of emotional support among people who share a common experience. In the peer support groups, people are believed and their experiences validated. The groups promote a sense of:

  • belonging
  • encouragement
  • solidarity
  • healing
  • empowerment and resilience

To get involved in peer support: If you are a Veteran, CAF member, current or former DND public service employee, Cadet, or Junior Canadian Ranger affected by sexual trauma and/or MST, 18 years and older, and are interested in becoming a member of a peer support group, please send an email to: DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.

Veterans and CAF members can also access DND’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). Full details of their programming can be found on their website, such as:

  • Response and support coordination
  • Restorative Engagement
  • Independent legal assistance
  • Community consultations

Additional Resources

You can also find support near you through provincial and community-based resources: 

  • Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline; this national helpline can connect you to a sexual assault centre or service near you
  • Local hospitals
  • Provincial health lines
  • Provincial 211 services
Date modified: