The DCSRC’s Growing Role in Supporting the Defence Community

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper.  

Over the past decade, conversations around workplace culture, accountability, and support within the Canadian Defence community have evolved significantly.  

This constantly progressing space is where the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) positions itself.  

“At its core, the DCSRC is here to provide confidential and trauma-informed support to those affected by sexual misconduct and/or racism,” shared Martin Gravel, Chief Operating Officer of the DCSRC. “We offer a safe space where individuals can access support, information, and guidance without stigma.” 

Originally established in 2015 as the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) in response to recommendations from the Deschamps Report and growing recognition of the need for independent, survivor-centred support services for the Defence community, the organization’s new name reflects an expanded mandate that now includes supporting individuals affected by racism. The DCSRC also operates independently from the military chain of command, which for some individuals is a separation that makes the difference between remaining silent and seeking help. 

Over the past decade, both the DCSRC’s mandate and reach have expanded significantly. What began as a team of roughly 30 staff members has since grown into an organization of more than 275, including specialists in trauma-informed support, mental health, restorative services, anti-racism, outreach, and case coordination. Today, the DCSRC supports a wide cross-section of the Defence community, including: current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members; veterans; Department of National Defence public servants; cadets; Junior Canadian Rangers; Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel; and their caregivers and family members, 16 and older. 

“The wider Defence community extends far beyond CAF members,” said Gravel. “Both sexual misconduct and racism can have lasting impacts, and each group face unique barriers to accessing support. Creating meaningful cultural change requires supporting everyone affected.” 

A common misconception surrounding the DCSRC’s support is that those who reach out to the DCSRC must already be prepared to file a formal complaint. The reality, however, is quite different. 

“People can contact us simply to ask questions, understand options, or receive support. There is no requirement to ever make a report or engage in a formal process to access support,” said Gravel. “You do not have to even share your name or identifying information when first contacting us — your safety, privacy, and sense of control always comes first.” 

For many, the impact of the support and guidance provided by the DCSRC has been life changing. 

“The DCSRC played a very important role in getting me the help I need and giving me the courage to come forward and report my abuse to the Military Police (MP),” shared one individual anonymously through the organization. “Honestly, it has changed my life.” 

Others have found healing not only through formal reporting, but through connection and community. One participant, whom attended a peer-support coffee chat for men affected by military sexual trauma, described the experience as “invaluable,” sharing how “[H]earing experiences and learning about resources helped me feel less isolated and gave me a better understanding of what healing can look like. I truly appreciated having a space where I could listen, learn, and feel supported.” 

Beyond individual support, the DCSRC is also continuing to play an increasing role in helping leaders across the Defence Team respond more thoughtfully and effectively when difficult situations arise. 

“One of the themes that emerged [in a recent discussion hosted by the DCSRC with senior Defence leadership] is that leaders often want to do the right thing but may worry about saying the wrong thing,” shared a member of the DCSRC. “How leaders listen, respond to difficult conversations, acknowledge harm, and create space for trust can have an impact that policies alone cannot achieve.” 

Trust — the one word that Gravel believes describes the DCSRC and its efforts.  

“Everything we do depends on building trust,” said Gravel. “Ultimately, trust is what allows support, healing, and meaningful culture change to happen.” 

As conversations around culture and inclusion continue to grow across the Defence community, the DCSRC’s role remains rooted where it began a decade ago: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care.  

The DCSRC is available 24/7 for confidential support via 1-844-750-1648 and can also be emailed at  DND.DCSRC-CSRCD.MDN@forces.gc.ca.  

All other inquiries can be directed via the link here.