CHAP - Cadet Harassment and Abuse Prevention
CHAP is a training program that aims to prevent harassment and abuse within the Canadian Cadet Movement (CCM). To support this, the CHAP Program has been developed to provide cadets and adults with an awareness of their rights and responsibilities with regards to harassment and abuse. Both cadets and adults are trained to recognize inappropriate kinds of behaviour and what action should be taken in the event of an incident. This two-level program consists of a sensitization module for all members of the Cadet Movement and a leadership module for senior cadets in a position of authority as well as officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC), Civilian Instructors (CI) and volunteers.
The CHAP Sensitization module is mandatory for everybody associated with the Cadet Program. After completing this module, all cadets, CIC officers, CIs and volunteers will be capable of recognizing harassment and abuse, be aware of possible consequences and will know where to go for help if they become aware of harassment or abuse occurrences. Above all, they are reminded of their responsibility to treat one other with respect at all times.
The CHAP Leadership module is mandatory for all senior and staff cadets holding positions of leadership and responsibility, as well as all CIC officers and CIs. This module focuses on the responsibility of leaders to intervene when they become aware of unacceptable behaviour and outlines the procedures to follow when reporting incidents of harassment and abuse.
Qualified CIC officers deliver both modules of the CHAP Program. Instructors are at the Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) rank and have seven hours of youth social issues training through the CIC training system. Further, they must complete the Canadian Forces (CF) Standards for Harassment and Racism Prevention (SHARP) program and a two-day “Train the Trainer” course specifically designed to prepare them to deliver the CHAP Program.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, the CHAP Program class size is limited to 30 participants. The program is delivered through facilitated discussion to create a positive atmosphere in which these sensitive topics can be discussed. The presentation is video-based and includes various exercises that encourage cadet participation.
The Canadian Cadet Movement is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for young people so they can develop as strong and effective citizens of Canada.
As a cadet I have the RIGHT to:
- be treated fairly and with respect
- belong
- feel safe
- be included
- learn
- seek help
- be heard
- make decisions
- be protected from emotional, physical and sexual abuse and all forms of harassment
use the law - say NO to unwelcome behaviour
As a cadet I have the RESPONSIBILITY to:
- treat others with respect
- not exclude anyone
- help protect others
- respect personal boundaries; honour "NO's"
- tell the truth
- listen
- not dominate others
- not misuse my powers
- control my anger
- not harass anyone
- not abuse anyone
- get help if I need it
Harassment Complaints - Rights of the Accused
A cadet accused of harassment has the right to:
- be treated fairly
- have a person of his/her choice at all interview/meetings
- have the accusations in writing and time to respond
- get information about the investigation (subject to Information and Privacy laws)
- appeal the outcome of the investigation