It’s a new initiative that will impact all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and hopes to remedy the problem of “inappropriate sexual behavior.”
Bryan Smith along with three other investigators have been selected to represent the Atlantic Region on the Sexual Offence Response Team.
“I see a great value in this team, especially where we’re focusing specifically on sexual offences,” said Smith, team lead for the Atlantic Region of the Operation Honour.
READ MORE: ‘It stops now’: New defence chief promises to fight sexual misconduct in military
The members were chosen from the Canadian Forces National Investigative Service team (CFNIS) and are in the process of receiving specialized training.
“The goal is to ensure that personnel within the military and outside agencies are well aware that we are prepared to support the victim,” said Capt. Emilie Viau, commanding officer for CFNIS
The 18-member team is an initiative of Operation Honour, a multi-phased national campaign to end sexual misconduct in the military.
Sexual assault cases are handled by the Canadian Forces National Investigative Service, the investigative unit of the Military Police.
The new specialized training is something members say will better equip them to focus directly on sexual assault cases.
“It’s going to allow myself and my other two members of the team to build that base, to build that experience and skill level so we can provide a service to our victims,” Smith said.
In an effort to make it easier and more comfortable to report incidents, there are now direct regional hotlines victims can call to file a complaint.
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