Thank you, Chair.
Over the past few years, the sexual misconduct support and resource centre has undergone many expansions. Today the SMSRC provides support to those affected by sexual misconduct over the age of 16, including current CAF members, former CAF members and veterans, current and former Department of National Defence public service employees, cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers and families. We also provide expert advice, guidance and recommendations to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces on matters related to sexual misconduct. The SMSRC operates independently from the Canadian Armed Forces chain of command and reports directly to the deputy minister of national defence.
As we know, many women veterans have experienced sexual misconduct during their time in uniform. The impacts of these events have been and continue to be profound. The SMSRC offers services that are supportive, inclusive and confidential. I will take a few moments to highlight some of the programs and services that are available.
Individuals affected by sexual misconduct can call the SMSRC 24-7 support line for confidential support, information on options, guidance on supporting others and referrals to care and service organizations. They will be connected with a trained counsellor in the official language of their choice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free by calling the 1-844-750-1648 number.
Veterans who have come forward and used our line have expressed issues regarding some of the barriers in accessing support and care. They mentioned that it was hard to advocate for themselves.
That brings me to our next program, the response and support coordination program. Individuals can obtain continuing support and assistance from a dedicated coordinator. Upon calling the SMSRC, individuals can receive various support services from their assigned coordinator, such as information and referrals to resources and services, advocacy, and accompaniments to appointments, meetings or proceedings. For example, some women veterans seek help from their RSC to fill out the VAC forms, accompany them to appointments or advocate on their behalf for VAC services.
The independent legal assistance program facilitates access to legal services for individuals who have experienced military sexual misconduct. In the current first phase of the program, the SMSRC is providing reimbursements for eligible legal costs incurred by those who have experienced military sexual misconduct.
The peer support program is currently being developed in collaboration with colleagues at Veterans Affairs Canada for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and DND public service employees who have experienced sexual misconduct. Our current services include an online discussion platform and formal group sessions.
The SMSRC restorative engagement program provides class members of the sexual misconduct class action settlement with various options to share with representatives of the Department of National Defence aspects of their experience, impacts or insights as they relate to sexual misconduct.
The community support for sexual misconduct survivors grant program funds projects led by not-for-profit Canadian community-based service providers. These organizations have capacity and expertise to provide services and initiatives for those who have been affected. Projects include such things as support for sexual assault centres, virtual platforms, research and academic institutions, and counselling services.
The community consultations initiative has been established within the SMSRC to engage directly with those who have been affected by sexual misconduct. These consultations help to obtain feedback and inform our existing and future SMSRC support services, programs and initiatives to better reflect the community's needs.
Finally, the SMSRC outreach program uses different ways to reach our various clients, such as our veterans or our women veterans, in order to increase awareness about the various programs and services available.
We encourage those who have been affected by sexual misconduct to reach out to the SMSRC through the 1-844-750-1648 number.
Thank you again for this opportunity to be here today. We look forward to your questions.