Canadian defence minister addresses “significant” spike in sexual assault rates in military | FULL

Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair spoke to reporters on Tuesday to address a "significant" spike in sexual assault rates in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Sexual assault rates within the CAF saw a “significant increase” in 2022 despite promises of reform within the military following years of intense scrutiny, Statistics Canada reported.

"We know that that participation can be very difficult for those affected, and their willingness to share their experiences contributes to our understanding of the problem. And it supports and reinforces our resolve to build on a more safe and respectful workplace. I believe we are truly on a path of meaningful and lasting cultural change," Blair said.

The national statistical agency released on Tuesday the results of a survey that found roughly 1,960 regular force members, roughly 3.5 per cent, reported they were sexually assaulted either inside or outside the workplace involving a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or another military member.

“This rate of sexual assault — which includes sexual attacks, unwanted sexual touching, and sexual activity where the victim was unable to consent — represents a significant increase from rates reported in 2018 (1.6 per cent) and 2016 (1.7 per cent) when previous iterations of the survey were conducted,” Statistics Canada said.

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