Complaints body probes military police's handling of sexual misconduct case
Lt.-Gen. Steven Whelan arrives at court in Gatineau, Que., on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
OTTAWA -
The Military Police Complaints Commission is investigating the military's handling of the case against a former general who was ousted from his high-ranking position after a sexual misconduct complaint in 2021.
Lt.-Gen. Steven Whelan was head of the military's personnel when a woman who had been his subordinate accused him of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with her.
He was charged by military police in 2022 with two counts of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, but military prosecutors dropped the charges during his court martial the next year.
Throughout 2021, the Armed Forces was embroiled in controversy after several high-ranking leaders were publicly accused of sexual misconduct.
Whelan has since filed a lawsuit against the federal government and his accuser.
The head of the Military Police Complaints Commission says if Whelan's allegations against the military police are substantiated, they could amount to "a deliberate failure to properly investigate" the case.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2024.
Resources for survivors
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
The Ending Violence Association of Canada's website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
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