The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM) is the senior police officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, responsible for maintaining discipline, welfare, and efficiency within the CF while investigating and dealing with criminal offences committed by members of the Canadian Forces. On March 25, 2021, the CFPM issued a statement regarding referred criminal sexual offences.
The statement outlined the CF’s commitment to addressing sexual misconduct within its ranks, acknowledging the harm it causes to victims and the damage it inflicts on the integrity of the military. The CFPM noted that the vast majority of CF members serve with honour and professionalism, but that even a small number of sexual offences undermine the trust and confidence Canadians have in their military.
The CFPM’s statement focused specifically on referred criminal sexual offences, which are cases in which an alleged victim reports a sexual offence to civilian authorities, who then refer the matter to the CF for investigation and possible prosecution under military law. Referred cases can involve offences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography.
The CFPM emphasized that referred criminal sexual offences are taken very seriously by the CF, which has implemented several measures to ensure they are dealt with effectively and fairly. These measures include specialized training for military police investigators, victim services personnel, and prosecutors; enhanced coordination with civilian authorities; and a streamlined process for handling referred cases.
The CFPM also highlighted the need for victims of referred criminal sexual offences to have access to support and services throughout the investigation and legal process. This includes access to specialized victim services personnel, as well as the option to be represented by a lawyer at no cost to the victim.
Finally, the CFPM’s statement emphasized the importance of preventing sexual misconduct in the first place, noting that it is everyone’s responsibility to create a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion within the military. This includes training on consent and sexual violence prevention, as well as promoting bystander intervention and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the CFPM’s statement on referred criminal sexual offences reflects the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to addressing sexual misconduct within its ranks and ensuring that victims are supported and offenders are held accountable. By emphasizing the importance of prevention, training, and victim support, the CFPM’s statement serves as a reminder that all members of the military have a duty to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty.
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