Lessons to learn: Strategies to sustain a restorative program for survivors of military sexual trauma

Abstract

Since the release of the Arbour Report in 2015, efforts have been made within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND) to develop and employ programs and services to support people with lived experiences (PWLE) of military sexual trauma (MST). Based on a pilot initiative, the current paper describes some strategies that may contribute to the success of programs aimed at reconciliation and recovery for both people who have been directly harmed and the institution as a whole. These strategies are grounded in the specific context of those reconciling the trauma from MST and consistent with the wider landscape of research and best practices for restorative programs. Strategies include creating a sustainability plan; enhancing planning and preparation; strengthening meeting frameworks; and developing post-meeting strategies. Many of these strategies are aimed at addressing institutional betrayal and healing for survivors and representatives of the organization.

Keywords

• social innovation
• restorative practices
• military sexual trauma
• people with lived experiences
• Canadian Armed Forces