Military failing victims, audit says

A crackdown on sexual harassment and abuse in the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces has failed victims because of fragmented support services, a slow-footed resolution of complaints and poor training, according a new audit.

In a report released Tuesday, Auditor General Michael Ferguson says the military-wide effort to crack down on inappropriate sexual behaviour has made some progress but notes that ongoing problems have made victims reluctant to come forward.

Responding to the findings, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan acknowledged that the Armed Forces must do more to support victims.

“It is crucial that any support ... is victim-centric and that they are in control at all times,” Sajjan said.

In 2015, Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of defence staff, launched Operation Honour, an initiative to stamp out sexual harassment and abuse in the ranks. That was a response to an external review that found there was a “sexualized” culture in the Armed Forces that was hostile to women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members.

The audit said the initiative has increased awareness of inappropriate sexual behaviour, with complaints rising to about 300 in 2017, up from 40 in 2015.

But it revealed problems too that have left victims feeling vulnerable and uncertain where to get help.

Despite high-level assurances that sexual misconduct will no longer be tolerated, many victims still experience “fear, distress, discomfort, a lack of support, reprisal, or blame” from their commanding officers, senior leaders and colleagues, the audit said.

“In addition to the psychological trauma, such outcomes can only reduce victims’ confidence in the system and contribute to the belief that there are negative consequences for those who report inappropriate sexual behaviour,” the report said.