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The Supervisor's Role

What is Family Violence?

Family violence means an abuse of power within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, and includes many forms of abusive behavior. Read DAOD 5044-4 to learn more about the CF policy on family violence.

Canadian Force’s leadership at all levels must play an active role in the identification and prevention of family violence.

What is the impact in the workplace?

Family violence in the CF can have a negative impact on:

  • Operational readiness
     
  • Work performance
     
  • Good order and discipline

Failure on the part of the supervisor to respond appropriately may result in decreased performance or worse, serious injury or death.

The Supervisor’s role in preventing family violence:

  • Understand the steps that can be taken to prevent and intervene effectively in cases of family violence.
     
  • Become familiar with the Base/Wing Family Crisis Team (FCT).
     
  • Ask the FC T to conduct a prevention & awareness education session on family violence.

The Supervisor’s role in dealing with family violence:

Upon receipt of an allegation the supervisor must:

  • Ensure the safety of those involved.
     
  • Call the MP when it is determined that a person is a threat to the safety of themselves or others.
     
  • Provide support and appropriate referral resources to encourage the survivor/abuser to seek assistance.

CF Member’s CO Must Be Informed When:

  • CF Member’s employability or ability to perform may be affected
     
  • Charges are laid/ pending
     
  • A suicide or homicide attempt is involved
     
  • Posting or deployment is imminent

COs & Base/Wing Commanders Are Expected To:

  • Ensure that there is an active Base/Wing FCT.
     
  • Provide appropriate referral resources to encourage the survivor/abuser to seek assistance.
     
  • Request a briefing by the FCT within 90 days of appointment.
     
  • Consult the Unit legal advisor on issues of jurisdiction of the CF or a civilian authority when an alleged incident of family violence is reported.
     
  • Determine whether administrative action should be taken.

For more information consult:

Family Crisis Team; Base Medical Officer; Base Social Work Office; D Med Pol; CDS Guidance, Chapter 23, Family Violence; DMCARM 5-4; DAOD 5044-4; DAOD 2008-3.