Source: Government of Canada News
May 29, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is expanding its services to include direct legal assistance at no cost to individuals, 18 years and older, who have experienced sexual misconduct in a Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) context.
Starting today, the Independent Legal Assistance (ILA) Program is launching the services of a full-time bilingual independent legal counsel with a background in the prosecution of sexual offences and knowledge of the military justice system.
The ILA Program supports individuals in making informed choices that align with their needs, goals, and circumstances, while helping them understand their rights and options.
Since May 2023, individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct within a DND/CAF context can also apply for reimbursement of eligible legal expenses if they consulted an external lawyer in Canada. Eligible expenses must have been incurred on or after April 1, 2019.
Individuals interested in the ILA Program’s services or in receiving reimbursement for their eligible legal costs can call the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648 to speak with a counsellor, who will refer them to the ILA Program. They can also email the SMSRC Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time at DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.