The Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (SSMCAF) collects information on experiences of sexual misconduct in the military workplace. The results will be used to inform policies and training to promote culture change and future support services for those affected by sexual misconduct.
Results will be compared with those of previous surveys to monitor progress. An analytical report based on these data will be produced by Statistics Canada, and will be made available to the public through the Statistics Canada website.
By participating in this survey, you will have the opportunity to express your views, share your experiences, and help create a stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.
Collection period:
From October 11, 2022 to January 26, 2023
Collection methods:
Electronic questionnaire
Survey participation:
Voluntary
Confidentiality
Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Topics covered in the survey
The survey asks questions about:
- Demographic information such as age, language, sex, etc.
- Work situation such as rank, component and work situation
- Sexual misconduct behaviours seen, heard or experienced
- Actions taken
- Characteristics of the behaviours
- Impacts of the behaviours
- Incidents of sexual victimization
- Details of incidents
- Awareness of available support
Published data
Statistics Canada publishes the results of its surveys in many formats. To find all the documents related to this survey, follow the links below and type the name of the survey in the search engine located at the left of your screen to filter the results.
Data: You will find tables, profiles of a community or region, thematic maps, public use microdata files, and data visualization tools.
Analysis: You will have direct access to Stats in brief (e.g., releases from The Daily, fact sheets), articles and reports, and journals and periodicals.
Survey-specific questions
- I am outside Canada. How can I contact Statistics Canada for any survey-related questions?
- How long does it take to complete the questionnaire?
- Can I choose not to answer certain questions?
- When will the results be available?
- Why is Statistics Canada conducting this survey for the Canadian Armed Forces?
- Will the questionnaire for the third cycle of the survey differ widely from the questionnaires for the first and second cycles?
- Is this survey mandatory?
- Will respondents' answers be shared with the Canadian Armed Forces?
- I have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona and it will be difficult for me to complete this survey. Do I still have to do it?
I am outside Canada. How can I contact Statistics Canada for any survey-related questions?
You can contact Statistics Canada by phone. Refer to the list of other available countries for the toll-free numbers.
Additionally, respondents from anywhere can contact us by email at infostats@statcan.gc.ca.
How long does it take to complete the questionnaire?
It will take approximately 25 to 45 minutes to complete the questionnaire. This time may vary depending on your experiences.
Can I choose not to answer certain questions?
Yes. Even after having agreed to participate in the survey, you may choose not to answer specific questions you find sensitive or where you feel uncomfortable providing a response.
When will the results be available?
The data are expected to be released in fall 2023.
Why is Statistics Canada conducting this survey for the Canadian Armed Forces?
Statistics Canada has the expertise and the infrastructure to conduct, analyze and disseminate large surveys. The agency also has experience in conducting surveys on sensitive topics, including inappropriate sexual behaviour. Statistics Canada has a reputation for providing accurate and trustworthy results.
Will the questionnaire for the third cycle of the survey differ widely from the questionnaires for the first and second cycles?
Most of the questionnaire content will remain the same between the three survey cycles to ensure findings are comparable over time.
Is this survey mandatory?
No. Participation is voluntary. The survey will be promoted within the Canadian Armed Forces to encourage participation.
Will respondents' answers be shared with the Canadian Armed Forces?
No. The individual information provided by survey participants will remain confidential in accordance with the Statistics Act. The Canadian Armed Forces will only receive the aggregated data. Statistics Canada never publishes or shares individual responses and results for small, identifiable groups.
I have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona and it will be difficult for me to complete this survey. Do I still have to do it?
No. Participation in this survey is voluntary, so there is no requirement to complete it if you are unable to. However, we still encourage your participation to ensure that we collect as many member experiences as possible.