Sexual Harassment In The Canadian Military

(Park, July 2008)States the Canadian Military makes up a small but significant segment of Canadian Society. The Canadian Forces (CF) are an important part of the country’s national image both home and abroad. It is not strange that there is sexual harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces, however members who dedicate their time and commitment to serve for their country should not be subjected to such behaviors. The external Review Authority found that there is an underlying issue of sexual harassment with specifics to women and LGBTBQ members. However sexual harassment is not only a problem for women or LBTBQ members but one that questions the professionalism and ethics of the Canadian Armed Forces. According to Oxford Dictionary Sexual Harassment
Alcohol consumption is not directly the root of sexual harassment, however; it is in fact a factor as it lowers one’s judgment and impairs one’s thinking. Lack of maturity was also named a contributor to sexual assault as one may still be trying to decide on their sexuality. Although there are other contributors to sexual assault there are some factors that makes one vulnerable to it such as: relocation which could be associated with loss of loved ones, social support systems, communal settings, and lack of basic understanding of the temporary chain of command. Other factors may be the effect of the training or career
If a facility is made available for victims to either report such attacks outside of their chain of command and feel safe doing so they would then be more inclined to report incidents when they occur. This facility would then follow up on these reports and deal with those involved personally and maintain confidentiality. Recommendation 5 states, “With the participation of the center for accountability for sexual assault and harassment: Develop a simple, broad definition of sexual harassment that effectively captures all dimensions of the member’s relationship with the CAF. Develop a definition of adverse personal relationship that specifically addresses relationships between members of different rank, and creates a presumption of an adverse personal relationship where the individuals involved are of different rank, unless the relationship is properly disclosed. Define sexual assault in the policy as intentional, non-consensual touching of a sexual nature. Give guidance on the requirement for consent, including by addressing the impact on genuine consent of a number of factors, including intoxication, differences in rank, and the chain of command.” The sixth recommendation is, “With the