Canadian Forces sexual misconduct response team promises change

The highest ranking woman official in the Canadian ArmedForces (CAF) was in Winnipeg Friday to discuss a newresponse team dedicated to addressing sexual misconduct in the Canadian military.

In an April 30 report, Supreme Court justice MarieDeschampscalled sexual misconduct "endemic"in Canada's military forces. The report lays down10 recommendations, which includes requiring a formal acknowledgment that the Canadian military has a serious problem with inappropriate sexual conduct in its ranks.

"These are steps that we need to take," saidMajor-General ChrisWhitecross, who has been in the military for 33 years and was selected to head the new team.

"When I read the report and I was asked to lead this team, I was very honoured to do it. I feel passionate about it and want to take it forward," said Whitecross.

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Whitecrossled three sessions andspoke to nearly 500 armed forces members atCanadian ForcesBase Wing 17 in Winnipeg Friday.

She's continuing on tobases across Canada to explain the action plan and"to actually get the discussion started at the lowest level, where we need to make a culture change and take a step forward."

Report hard on chain of command: Whitecross

While she is looking forward to bringing about change, Whitecross said the report angered her upon first glance.

"When I read the report the first time I was actually quite angry, because that was not the Canadian Armed ForcesI joined," saidWhitecross, Canada's highest ranking woman.

"Then I read a little bit further, and it was very hard on the chain of command. I am a member of that chain of command. I am a proud member of that chain of command."

After the session at Wing 17, members had a chance to speak with Whitecrossand her private team. Counsellors were on hand in the event anyone wanted to report sexual abuse or harassment.

In her report, Deschampssaid the CAF chain of commandtolerates sexual misconduct, leaving women members fearful of what might happen if they come forward with allegations of abuse. The report also cited instances of sexist comments and jokes toward women, as well as unwanted touching.

'I want to understand better how we can increase reporting."- Maj.-Gen. Chris Whitecross

Whitecross believes changes need to be made, but said not every one in the chain of command is part of the problem.

The strategic responseteamis also in the process of studying how other militaries around the world have reformed their sexual misconduct response services.

"The Americans have increased reporting. I want to take the best out of all the different centres and bring them back to Canada," said Whitecross.

"I want to understand better how we can increase reporting. What kind of database, what kind of information systems can we put in place ... What is the victim support?"