Sexual assault in the Canadian Forces

Sexual assault in the Canadian Forces has been a pervasive issue affecting women, youth, and men in the Canadian Forces and Canadian Cadet Organizations. Canadian Forces sexual assault cases have been extensively reported in national Canadian news media. The scope and depth of the sexual assault problem first came to light in 1998, when Maclean's magazine broke the story.^[1] Individual cases continued to be reported. The issue became a national focus again when MacLean's magazine published another exposé exploring the extent of rape culture in Canada's military.^[2]

Extent of Sexual Assault Problem

Through Canada’s Access to Information Act, it was revealed that Canadian Military Police have received between 134 and 201 sexual assault complaints every year since the year 2000, averaging to 178 per year.^[3] A 2012 survey showed that women, minorities, and First Nations suffered disproportionate levels of sexual and personal harassment in the Canadian Forces.^[4]

The Canadian Forces claims that it takes sexual assault and abuse seriously.^[5]

It has been further reported that one-in-thirteen women in the Canadian Forces has been sexually assaulted in connection with their military employment.^[6]

High profile sexual assaults by Canadian Forces offenders, like the case of Colonel Russell Williams have brought further attention to the issue in Canada.

In some cases, members charged with sexual assault have been retained on active service by the Canadian Forces, and placed on administrative duties.^[7]

Sexual Assault and Abuse in Canadian Cadet Organizations

There have been numerous documented instances where cadets in the care of the Canadian Cadet Organizations have been sexually abused or assaulted.^{[8][9][10][11][12]} According to MacLean's magazine, one-in-ten reported sexual assaults in the military is against a member of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.^[13] Some of these incidents have come to light years after the abuse occurred.^[14][15] Cadets Canada has a program called Positive Social Relations for Youth intended to stop future offences.

According to Vice Magazine, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets is "plagued with sexual abuse allegations".^[16]

2014 External Sexual Assault Review

In 2014, the Government of Canada announced an external review of the sexual assault crisis within Canada's military.^[17] The Government named former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Marie Deschamps to conduct the review.^[18] The review has received international coverage.^[19]

References