I DECIDED THAT I NEEDED TO STEP FORWARD.

programs such as the cadets attract abusers because they brought them closer to children. The command-andcontrol structure — having to obey commanding officers — also allowed the problem to persist.

“Finally, the collegial nature of the (program) seemed to foster an inability for any whistleblower to emerge.”

In Australia, a royal commission is due to begin hearings next month into allegations of widespread abuse of cadets by officers in the Australian Defence Force since the 1960s.

“I absolutely think an inquiry into sexual misconduct is required for the cadet movement (in Canada),” said Hiscock. “These cases have been coming forward for years, and yet in case after case the government denied liability.” (Ottawa denies it was negligent in the cases of Hiscock clients, and their allegations have not been proved in court.)

Military officials insist they move swiftly when they learn of allegations of sexual misconduct. However, inter- after it became public knowledge,” he wrote in an email to colleagues.

He added he could not find standard operating procedures that covered the steps to be taken when allegations become public.

(The emails were obtained through an access-to-information request by an advocate trying to raise awareness of the issue, but who requested anonymity.)

Woiden, the cadet program commander, said cadet leaders strive to give parents as much information as soon as they can. But they must also be sensitive to privacy issues and maintaining the integrity of an investigation.

Moriarty was found guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation involving a girl — over four years, she sent him at least 30 photos or videos in which she was partially or fully naked; they also had sex three times — and one count each of sexual assault and sexual touching involving a boy.

In 2012, a military judge sentenced Moriarty, then 26, to a year in jail, demoted him to second lieutenant and banished him from the Forces.