Canadian Armed Forces release app for victims dealing with sexual misconduct

To support victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) released a new app this week. The Respect in the CAF mobile app has a variety of resources and interactive tools in order to prevent, respond to and support victims dealing with incidents of sexual misconduct.

“Respect in the CAF provides both survivors and persons who may intervene in or be aware of an incident of sexual misconduct with interactive tools, checklists and educational resources to readily access professional help. To be operationally effective, we must always act as a team, and this app is an excellent resource that helps equip our women and men to fight back against sexual misconduct,” said LGen. Charles Lamarre, Commander of Military Personnel Command.

Developed by the CAF Strategic Response Team on Sexual Misconduct, in partnership with the Canadian Defence Academy, the app is bilingual and confidential. It is also geo-references, and can show the user nearest resources like police stations, hospitals, rape crisis centres and military support units.

It is aimed at complementing and enhancing existing sexual misconduct resources under Operation HONOUR.

The app offers a downloadable checklists, procedures and interactive tools for those who are supporting victims and survivors of sexual misconduct.

Although the app is focused on victims, it can be used any CAF member or individuals supporting victims to gain insight on victim trauma and have access to valuable educational materials.

“While the Respect in the CAF app was written and designed for members of the Canadian Armed Forces the app has valuable information that anyone can use to deal more confidently and knowledgeably with the prevention of, response to, and in support of those affected by sexual misconduct. This app provides an easily accessible platform on which we will build and add resources to increase awareness and continue to improve support, response and prevention of harmful and inappropriate sexual behavior,” said RAdm. Jennifer Bennett, Director General, CAF Strategic Response Team on Sexual Misconduct.

It is reported that the app will continue to evolve to add new modules and eventually serve as a compendium of information and resources related to Operation HONOUR.

The Respect in the CAF app can be downloaded free from app stores, for use with smartphones and tablets using iOS, Android, Windows phone, and Blackberry platforms.