October 4, 2017

300 – UNIT HARASSMENT AND ABUSE PREVENTION

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THIS SECTION NEEDS A COMPLETE REVAMP TO ALIGN WITH NEW PRACTICES; PSRY; UCCMA

301 GENERAL

1. All personnel working with cadets in 59 RCACS have a responsibility to administer a safe and positive cadet program which is supportive of the personal goals, dignity and self-esteem of individuals, and is free from abuse and harassment. 59 RCACS as in the rest of the region, has adopted a zero tolerance attitude towards human rights violations and has made a commitment to ensure everything possible is being done in the name of prevention. All personnel shall be made aware of the contents and reporting protocols of DAOD 5012-0, CFAO 19-39 and CATOs 13-24,13-29.

2. Abuse will not be tolerated. As per the Sexual Harassment And Racism Prevention (SHARP) program and the Cadet Harassment And Abuse Prevention (CHAP) programs, all Officers, CIs and Volunteers shall become conversant with all policies and procedures concerning abuse, harassment and assault as detailed in these topics.

3. Further information concerning abuse and suspected instances of child abuse may be addressed through the CO or the Unit Human Rights Advisor (UHRA).

302 FRATERNIZATION

1. An officer, NCM, CI or civilian volunteer shall not carry on a relationship with a cadet beyond a normal working relationship.

2. Two cadets, while involved with a cadet activity, shall not carry on a relationship beyond a normal working relationship.

3. Any violation of the direction at Para 1 and 2 above, may result in disciplinary action being taken against one of both offenders, although a cadet may not be disciplined they may be excluded from further training and released from the cadet unit.

303 SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND RACISM PREVENTION (SHARP)

1. The Canadian Cadet Movement has a very detailed and specific policy that defines harassment and outlines actions to be taken when harassment is suspected. Any instance where harassment is suspected shall be brought to the attention of the Unit Human Rights Advisor or the Commanding Officer.

2. Investigation of suspected harassment shall be handled with the utmost discretion and efficiency. Any notes taken during the investigation, and any action resulting from the investigation, shall be sealed and filed in the individuals personnel file pending further external investigation or action.

3. In accordance with the referenced policy, the Commanding Officer is authorized to take appropriate disciplinary action based on the findings of the investigation.

304 DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES

1. The policy definitions and procedures on harassment and child abuse prevention within the Canadian Cadet Movement (CCM) are detailed in CATO 13-24 and are restated, in part, in these  standing Orders for emphasis.

2. Harassment and child abuse, including any hazing practices, are unacceptable within the CCM. Harassment and abuse in any form are insidious conducts that erode mutual trust and confidence. They attack the dignity and self-respect of the victim and weaken unit cohesion and morale.

305 PRINCIPLES

1. The CO is committed to ensuring the safety of every cadet and to providing a respectful environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for all. The CO prohibits discriminatory practices. Based on the principle of equality of all people, and the dignity and worth of every human being, without regard to, among other things, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, pardoned conviction, disability, sexual orientation or physical attributes.

2. Every member has the right to have any incident of harassment or abuse dealt with in an expeditious, impartial, and sensitive manner, without fear of retaliation. A member may at any time  seek general advice of information on harassment and abuse issues, including clarification of policy, definitions, or procedures.

306 OFFENCES

1. Harassment can occur by oral, written or electronic communications, gestures, displays or physical contact and can take several forms under seven broad categories outline below:

a. discrimination;
b. personal harassment;
c. abuse of power/authority;
d. sexual harassment;
e. stalking;
f. physical assault; and,
g. sexual assault.

2. Child abuse can manifest itself in various behaviors under four broad categories;

a. emotional;
b. physical;
c. sexual; and,
d. neglect.

307 REPORTING PROCEDURES

Although it is recognized that the normal chain of command is responsible for the welfare of those placed under its command and control, it must be appreciated that members of the CCM in particular cadets, who report harassment or child abuse are often reluctant to address their problems through the normal chain of command. Consequently, a member may make a complaint either within or outside of the chain of command. A cadet may inform:

a. the Unit Human Rights Advisor (UHRA) or CO;
b. any member in a position of authority;
c. the local Child Protection Agency;
d. the DND/CF Harassment Help Line (1-800-290-1019); and/or
e. the Kids Help Phone (1800-668-6868)

308 CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND INVESTIGATION

In order to assist members in resolving problems of non-criminal harassment at the lowest lever, the following methods of conflict resolution may be used:

a. self-help method;
b. mediation; and/or
c. formal complaint.