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OTTAWA, ON – May 21, 2025 – Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is a serious public health issue globally and research in the military and Veteran population suggests that factors associated within this context may increase the risk of IPV among Veteran Families.

In recognition of the need for IPV resources that take into account the specific needs and experiences of this community, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families worked in close collaboration with an advisory group of Veterans and Veteran Family members with lived experience, researchers and service providers to develop a set of IPV resources, which are launching today. These new resources aim to help Veterans and their Family members to recognize signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship and understand the impacts on children, and to offer practical tips to talk about and navigate experiences of IPV and take steps towards support and healing.

Studies show that in the military and Veteran community, some factors may increase the risk of using or experiencing IPV, continue the cycle of abuse or make it difficult for someone to look for support. They include but are not limited to identity and relationship strain related to challenges during the transition to post-service life, isolation or dependence related to frequent relocation or living off-base, or exposure to potentially traumatic or morally injurious events and high-stress environments. These factors do not necessarily mean abuse will occur, but they increase the probability of abuse. There can also be overlap between the experiences of those who have served in the CAF and members of the RCMP and their Families.

M.E. Sam, a retired Canadian Armed Forces member who was involved in the creation of these new resources as part of the project advisory group, said that as a longtime survivor of military intimate partner violence, she knows how it hard it is to find resources that reflect the needs of a military Veteran Family. “Frequent postings can contribute to feelings of isolation that survivors may struggle with, and that final posting at retirement may take you away from military or community resources. Having an online resource, co-developed by other military Family survivors, available at any time, can be the difference between suffering in silence or ignorance, and finding healing help.”

Kaitlyn LaRiviere, social worker and Veteran Family Coordinator at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre, brought her perspective from supporting those experiencing IPV to the project. She said that based on her work with the Veteran community, she has learned of the importance of accessible and quality information for Families facing IPV. “This resource can raise awareness and guide individuals toward support during challenging times. Raising awareness in this community is vital, especially given the vulnerability and shame that often surround intimate partner violence. Sharing this resource helps start difficult conversations, strengthen community bonds, and promote Family wellness and resilience.”

MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, added that working alongside people with lived experience to develop resources makes for stronger resources that reflect the needs of the community. “We heard from the Veteran Family community that intimate partner violence is an area where increased awareness is important for many reasons. Having access to tools like this can not only support the building of safer environments and enhancing of resilience but also may help reduce the stigma associated with IPV and encourage those impacted to get help. We hope these tools not only offer practical guidance, but hope for the journey ahead of them.”

The new series of resources includes a guide to recognize and address unhealthy relationships, as well as a guide to help parents and caregivers support children who have seen or heard abuse, including tips and strategies for having age-appropriate conversations and a curated list of trusted resources for additional support. The resources are available for download at atlasveterans.ca/ipv-guides.

Statistics on IPV

While there is limited research on experiences of IPV specifically in Canadian Veteran Families, a 2022 systematic review conducted by Atlas and Phoenix Australia found:

  • 1 in 5 (21%) active-duty personnel and Veterans reported experiencing IPV
  • 1 in 8 (13%) reported using abuse in their intimate relationships

In the general Canadian population:

  • Over 100,000 Canadians between the ages of 15 to 89 years experienced IPV in 2019, which accounted for 30% of all police-reported violent crimes.
  • IPV was the most common type of police-reported violence experienced by women, with women accounting for 80% of all IPV victim reports.

For more information, please contact:

Joy Pavelich
Executive Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
media-atlas@theroyal.ca
403-934-1694

OTTAWA, ON – March 31, 2025 – Peer support organizations supporting Veterans, military, public safety personnel, and their Families will now have access to guidelines for formal peer support programs offered in either workplace or community-based settings thanks to a new resource released today.

Designed by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families in collaboration with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) and the Peer Support Community Network (PSCN), a national network of stakeholders from the Veteran, Veteran Family, public safety personnel, peer support, research and service provider communities, this guide is the first of its kind and has been long awaited in the peer support space. It can be used for new or existing peer support programs as a reference when developing peer support programs, assessing or adapting existing programs to ensure they are following an evidence-informed approach or as a resource for those seeking peer support to assess appropriateness of a program.

Gabrielle Dupuis, Director, Research Partnerships at the Atlas Institute, said that Veterans and members of the public safety community have long expressed the need for guidelines designed specifically to meet their unique peer support needs. “In order to create guidelines that were uniquely tailored to this community, we incorporated insights from relevant published literature while engaging deeply with the expertise brought forward by members of the PSCN, resulting in an evidence-informed and context-sensitive approach to the guideline development”

Fardous Hosseiny, President & CEO of the Atlas Institute, said, “We know that peer support can offer many benefits for mental health recovery. In the Veteran community specifically, it can be invaluable as this is a community that places a high value on relationships of trust. This supports with some of the challenges this population might typically navigate when seeking help, such as stigma reduction and feelings of isolation. Hosseiny noted that the added value of guidelines is in the consistent application of support, which promotes positive outcomes while upholding the principles of respect and shared responsibility.

Find more information and access the new peer support guidelines on the Atlas Institute website: atlasveterans.ca/peer-support-guidelines

For more information, please contact:

Joy Pavelich
Executive Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
media-atlas@theroyal.ca
403-934-1694

OTTAWA, ON – October 2, 2024 – Clinicians working with military and Veteran populations experiencing problematic anger will now have access to new training through the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, without cost, thanks to a recently released program developed in partnership with Phoenix Australia.

The course was designed to equip clinicians with the skills to assess and treat these specific populations experiencing what is known as problematic anger. It is available in French and English to licensed or registered service providers working in mental health who care for Veterans or Veteran Families in Canada. They can complete the eight hours of online modules at their own pace within six months of registering.

MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, said that while anger itself is not a problem, when it is expressed in ways that are harmful to ourselves or others or if it persists for a long time, then it may be a problem, and that is what this training was created to address.  “Canadian Veterans and Family members shared their personal experiences so that the course materials directly reflect this lived experience while drawing on theoretical models and empirical research. Combined this will help service providers build an ‘anger toolkit’ that can be implemented in a tailored manner to address a client’s needs.”

Notarianni added when the course is completed, clinicians will be able to recognize the differences between anger and problematic anger, utilize evidence-based strategies in the assessment of problematic anger, and implement a range of cognitive behavioural skills that can be used in the treatment of problematic anger.

Dr. J Don Richardson, Medical Director at the Atlas Institute, was involved in the development of the resources for the Canadian context and said that effectively managing problematic anger in Veterans is essential for improving their overall mental health and well-being. “Addressing anger not only reduces the risk of interpersonal conflicts and enhances relationships but also plays a pivotal role in facilitating trauma-focused psychotherapy. By resolving anger issues, Veterans can better engage in treatment, ultimately leading to more successful therapeutic outcomes.” As part of the release of the training, informational sheets for both Veterans and Family members have been developed, giving them tips on how to recognize problematic anger, and what to do when anger might be becoming an issue.

The Atlas Institute has partnered with Phoenix Australia on a number of initiatives since inception in 2019 including a guide to moral injury supporting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a conceptual framework that defines how to work with Veterans and Families to determine how best to meet their mental health needs, and various research studies. Collaborating with a leading subject matter expert based at Phoenix, a Canadian clinical expert and Canadian Veteran and Family voices, this particular training initiative has been in the works for 18 months and fills an identified gap in Canada.

General information about problematic anger can be found on the Atlas website where eligible clinicians can sign up for the self-paced course: atlasveterans.ca/managing-problematic-anger.

For more information, please contact:

Joy Pavelich
Executive Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
media-atlas@theroyal.ca
403-934-1694

OTTAWA, ON – September 4, 2024 – Wounded Warriors Canada and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families today announced the launch of a new online training course, A practice-based approach to self-care: TExP2. This new training introduces practical self-care tools that health care providers can incorporate into their professional practices throughout their work with trauma-exposed professionals (TExPs).

A practice-based approach to self-care: TExP2 is built upon and expands on learnings from Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals: TExP1. Released in May 2022 with support and funding from the Atlas Institute, TExP1 was developed by Wounded Warriors Canada’s National Clinical Director, Dr. Tim Black, to provide culturally specific clinical approaches for supporting this unique population, which includes Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, first responders and health care professionals. When TExP1 was first released there was immediate national demand with more than 1,850 providers having completed the course to date. The need for expanded training offerings was made clear throughout this process and Dr. Black has teamed up with Senior WWC Clinician and program co-developer Alex Sterling to offer A practice-based approach to self-care: TExP2.

Tim Black, National Clinical Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, “The unique nature of TExP clients such as the number, frequency and often highly disturbing nature of their traumatic event exposures means that clinicians who work with TExPs are at increased risk for burnout, compassion fatigue and potential traumatization themselves. Traditional approaches to self-care that focus on “end of the week, non-work-related activities” may not be sufficient to help clinicians who work with TExPs avoid the negative impacts of chronic traumatic event exposure in their work.”

Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, “Working with the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families is a great example of how partnerships serve as force multipliers for service delivery. We’re thrilled by the response we have received since the launch of Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals: TExP1, and we’re excited to deliver A practice-based approach to self-care: TExP2 for those who provide such vital support to trauma-exposed professionals.”

MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, commented, “We’re so pleased to build on our productive partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada with the development  of this new course which will empower health care providers who work with trauma-exposed professionals to incorporate effective approaches to self-care into their practices. Supporting their well-being ultimately supports the well-being of the Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, first responders and their Families that they work with.”

For more information, please contact:

Lori-Anne Thibault
media-atlas@theroyal.ca

OTTAWA, ON — July 17, 2024 — Despite their critical role in the conflict in Afghanistan, there is little awareness about the existence and contributions of approximately 65 Afghan-Canadians, the language and cultural advisors (LCAs). Recruited to provide linguistic and cultural advice, these Canadian citizens would play a pivotal role in supporting our 40,000 Canadian soldiers while in Afghanistan. Recently published research by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families sheds light onto their experiences and challenges, including barriers in accessing support for their unique needs upon their return.

Being the soldiers’ eyes and ears while in Afghanistan, former LCAs who participated in the study faced many unexpected situations for which they felt unprepared. Despite these experiences, they described a sense of fulfilment in their contributions. It is only upon their return to Canada that the impacts of what they had experienced, such as PTSD and depression, would really start to be felt.

“We heard from our community that this was an important issue to them specifically because of the loyalty they felt to those who had supported them while deployed, assuming many of the same risks of the soldiers, and so we wanted to explore the overall experience.”

— Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute

Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute said that upon their return to Canada, despite the grave dangers they faced as they advised and accompanied soldiers, the LCAs found a significant gap between what support was available and what they felt was needed. Hosseiny added that the research is an important step in building knowledge and improving understanding of their experiences but more is still needed to develop tailored services and supports for this particular group. “We heard from our community that this was an important issue to them specifically because of the loyalty they felt to those who had supported them while deployed, assuming many of the same risks of the soldiers, and so we wanted to explore the overall experience.”

Hosseiny said common themes that emerged in the stories the LCAs shared included the reasons for which they had become LCAs, their experiences returning to post-service life, and the sense of deserving better. “These findings provide valuable insights into the unique experiences and support needs of former Afghan-Canadian LCAs, shedding lighting on their entire journey before during and after their service. The results also highlight the importance of support not only for LCAs but for all contractors deployed in conflict zones.”

Brian McKenna, National Strategic Advisor for Veterans at the Atlas Institute, who himself had two tours in Afghanistan and personally experienced the need for this kind of support said this is an important issue for him and for many others of his peers who feel their safety was maintained by the risks that the LCAs and interpreters assumed. “It isn’t about the small number who took on this role, but the number of us who feel we are alive today because of them.”

For more information, please contact:

Lori-Anne Thibault
lori-anne.thibault@theroyal.ca
613-585-9531

Quick facts:

  • In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed approximately 40,000 members to Afghanistan over a period of more than 12 years. While Canada’s combat role ended in 2011, CAF personnel continued training Afghan forces until March 2014, relying on Afghan-Canadian contract interpreters (LCAs) who faced potentially traumatic experiences and lacked equivalent support upon their return compared to deployed soldiers.
  • This study, led by the Atlas Institute conducted six in-depth interviews with former LCAs who immigrated to Canada before 2002, highlighting their journey from pre-service motivations to post-service challenges. The results of these interviews are summarized below:
    • Motivations for becoming LCAs: Participants were driven by dual loyalties to Canada and Afghanistan, viewing their role as an opportunity to contribute positively to both nations. Factors such as cultural and linguistic expertise, financial motivations and a desire to give back to Canada were pivotal in their decisions to become LCAs.
    • Challenges faced in the field: LCAs encountered significant challenges, including inadequate preparation for the realities of their roles, exposure to combat situations in conflict-zones and navigating their identities as civilian contractors in a military environment. Despite these challenges, many felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their contributions.
    • Post-service transition and challenges: Upon returning to Canada, participants felt abandoned and neglected by the lack of support and resources available to them compared to their military counterparts. They experienced significant psychological and social repercussions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, strained relationships and difficulty reintegrating into their communities. The findings underscore the significant impacts of deployment on Afghan-Canadian LCAs, revealing a range of traumatic experiences related to combat stressors and challenging working conditions. Despite facing these hardships, participants reported limited post-service support, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and contributing to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD and depression.

Ottawa, ON — June 18, 2024 — During service, military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) personnel can often be exposed to events or conditions that can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). While there is growing awareness about the impact of TBI on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP Veterans and the connection to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, it remains a topic requiring further study and supportive resources.

To enhance the understanding of TBI and better support those affected, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has launched a suite of four specialized (or unique) resources. These resources are designed to build awareness and understanding of TBI and provide helpful tools and strategies to improve the quality of life for those who are navigating daily living with a TBI.

Fardous Hosseiny, Atlas Institute President and CEO, said that the number of Canadian Veterans currently living with a TBI is uncertain, given Veterans are not often screened for this condition and TBI may be underdiagnosed. “Further, since this is an emerging area, there may be misconceptions about the causes and symptoms of TBI. In the military context, there is a common belief that TBIs are mostly caused by exposure to blasts. However, there are many different situations in which people serving in the military or RCMP can be exposed to situations that can result in a TBI during their service.” He added that it is imperative that Veterans are informed about the mechanism of injury for TBIs in the military and police, as well as about common symptoms. Equally important is being knowledgeable about the  pathways to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Brian McKenna, Atlas National Strategic Advisor — Veterans, said TBIs, which can include concussions, happen when the brain is injured after a sudden impact, jolt, bump or blow to the head or body or even repeated small exposures over time. “TBIs can have long-term effects on a person’s health and well-being, including behavioural, social, cognitive, physical, emotional and psychological impacts. A compounding factor that can affect diagnosis and treatment of TBI is that there can be an overlap in common symptoms for TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While both can be present at the same time, some Veterans who have a PTSD diagnosis may only come to find that they have a TBI after PTSD treatment does not alleviate all of their symptoms.” McKenna added that Veterans who present with PTSD symptoms or who have been exposed to conditions that could cause a TBI should be screened for it because symptoms can be similar for TBI and PTSD and Veterans may not recognize they have both.

Hosseiny also noted the importance of ensuring Families are equipped with information and resources to help them understand what their loved one is experiencing and to better support and care for both their impacted Family member and themselves. Not only are Family members often the first people to recognize that their loved one’s symptoms might be related to a TBI, they can also be impacted by the changes brought on in their loved one by the injury.

The resources released today by the Atlas Institute are:

  • TBI 101: An overview of TBI and its causes, symptoms and ways to manage its impacts
  • Tools and strategies for daily living with a TBI
  • Information about TBI and PTSD, overlapping symptoms and impacts and pathways to treatment
  • Information about TBI for people who work with Veterans

McKenna added that the hope with these new resources is that they will encourage and empower Veterans and Families to seek help for a possible TBI, as well as inform them about the available support and treatments to improve functioning and quality of life while living with a brain injury.

The resources are available for download at atlasveterans.ca/tbi.

For more information, please contact:

media-atlas@theroyal.ca

June 12, 2024 — Ottawa, ON — The release today of the final report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs’ study of the Experience of Women Veterans has highlighted and reaffirmed many of the challenges experienced by women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), issues which the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has also heard first-hand through their engagement with women Veterans.

Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute, said he is pleased Atlas had opportunity to contribute to the overall study adding that Deputy CEO, MaryAnn Notarianni and Director of Applied Research, Dr. Sara Rodrigues were invited to provide testimony to the Committee as well as through the Athena Project initiative where the advisory group of women Veterans were supported to submit a written brief to the committee.

“It is encouraging to see that there are several recommendations regarding the needs for research specific to women Veterans, including the first recommendation that calls for a collaborative approach,” he said, highlighting CAF, the RCMP, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the allied countries could all play a role in a collective response to the need.

Dr. Rodrigues said it is important to note that they highlighted issues specific for additional research, including the unique physical impact, and increased risk factors for both physical and mental health impacting women increasing evidence to inform the development of policies and programs for women Veterans. She explained that the Athena Project is an Atlas-led initiative taking a community-engaged approach to the research process. A working group was convened in the spring of 2023 to support the design and development of studies on women’s well-being. Of the study recently launched, Dr. Rodrigues, said the study explores how women’s experiences in service impact health care needs and outcomes as a Veteran. “The perspectives and insights of the women in the working group have helped guide this study on women Veterans unmet health needs. We expect that our results, expected in late 2024, will help to fill gaps in existing research, identify policy and program needs and begin to help service providers support the mental health of women Veterans.”

Hosseiny commended the Committee for undertaking such a comprehensive study in the issue which he said is crucial given women’s experiences have been underrepresented in both studies and in programming. “The work we have undertaken with the Athena Project to date has highlighted many of those same challenges the report has profiled, whether as a result of service, or due to transitioning into post-service life. Our study is examining the health care needs, experiences, and outcomes that are specific to women Veterans, including diverse women Veterans, how women Veterans navigate the services landscape, and how they support their own well-being.”

Tabitha Beynen, a Lived Experience Lead at Atlas, is a Veteran of the CAF who has brought her perspectives as a woman who has served, and also been involved in supporting the Athena Project, as well as several other projects with the Atlas Institute. She says that working in this capacity as an advisor allows her use her experiences to play a role in shaping research about the unique challenges of women Veterans.

“Engagement is key to understanding the unique experiences women have had during their service in the CAF or RCMP.” Beynen said. “Collaborating with women Veterans on research helps us ensure that questions asked, and the evidence generated, reflects the needs of those it is designed to benefit.”

For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca

Note: The Atlas Institute is able to coordinate individuals from the working group in the Athena Project for lived experience interviews if required.

OTTAWA, ON — May 28, 2024 — Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members have been impacted by sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence — also known as military sexual misconduct — at some point during their careers. The effects can be lasting and profound, not only on the person impacted, but also their loved ones.

Widely known as military sexual trauma (MST), these impacts include the psychological, physical and social “wounds” that people may feel after experiencing or witnessing sexual misconduct during their service. For Family members, there are often additional challenges associated with supporting someone who has experienced MST, including the distress Family members themselves can feel knowing that their loved one has survived such a traumatic event.

Today, in recognition of May being Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Canada, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has released a set of resources that is the first of its kind to be specifically designed for Family members or loved ones of individuals impacted by MST. These new resources aim to build understanding about MST, provide Family members with tools both as supporters of people living with this trauma and to care for themselves as they learn about it and witness its impacts, and increase their capacity to offer support. This set of resources joins a wider suite of others previously developed by Atlas for individuals impacted by MST as well as for health care providers who might be providing care and support to those affected.

MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President of Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, says that the Veteran Family community has highlighted the critical need for a variety of tools and strategies to address the often invisible wounds of MST and foster support and healing after sexual trauma during service. “Family members and friends can be an important source of support in a person’s journey towards healing from MST, but they can also be impacted and need tools and resources to care for themselves, as well as for their loved one. However, what we have heard from members of the Veteran community is that that there is currently a lack of resources available to help Veteran Family members and friends understand and navigate the impacts of their loved one’s MST.”

Laryssa Lamrock, National Strategic Advisor for Veteran Families at the Atlas Institute, notes that Family members who learn that someone they care about has experienced sexual trauma may be looking for answers on how to navigate the situation, including what to say or ways to respond and to meaningfully support themselves and their loved one.

“MST is such a complex issue — each person’s experience and healing journey can be influenced by many different factors. For Family members witnessing the impacts and trying to offer support, there can be added complexity around understanding the best path forward that takes into account their loved one’s needs, readiness and specific considerations related to military culture,” she says. “And while Family members and friends may not have directly experienced MST, they might be on the front line of support or deal with a range of emotions and feelings as a result, like isolation, anger, loneliness or shame. They may even show similar signs of trauma as their impacted loved one. As such, they need support and resources too.”

Notarianni adds that the team at Atlas recognized early into its mandate that MST was a priority requiring significant attention, including the development of resources for those impacted and for their Families.

“MST is a major public health concern for the Veteran community, with one in four women and one in 25 men reporting having experienced at least one sexual assault since joining the military,” she says. “When we began our work in 2021 of developing resources on MST, we started with information for Veterans and health care providers but the intention was always to address the Family perspective and fill a knowledge gap that’s been identified by Veterans, Veteran Family members and those who provide care to them.”

The new resources were co-created by the Atlas Institute in collaboration with a group of Veterans impacted by MST, Family members, service providers and other subject matter experts.

M.E. Samplonius, CD, an MST survivor and member of the advisory committees involved in co-creating both the new and the earlier resources, says she hopes the lived experience she shared as part of the resource development about what her own Family learned amid her MST injury will help others who are impacted.

“When my last military sexual assault occurred, my children were in their teens, so there was no hiding my trauma symptoms. It was difficult to think of how to approach talking about such a deeply profound and intimate injury. Having a resource available like this would have been so helpful and validating for us all as we tried to navigate Family life with MST,” she says. “Being involved in creating a resource that might help others understand the complex emotional toll MST can cause has been incredibly comforting. I hope these resources can help other Families survive the ordeal of MST and strengthen their healing journeys.”

Four new resources on MST for Family members are now available: a primer providing an overview on MST, two conversation guides to help Family members talk about MST with their impacted loved one or disclose it to others, including children, and a resource offering ideas on self-care and boundary-setting.

The resources are now available for download at atlasveterans.ca/mst-family.

For more information, please contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca

OTTAWA – The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and Wounded Warriors Canada today announced the expansion of Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, an online course developed to increase health care providers’ understanding of the unique cultural differences experienced by trauma-exposed professionals due to the high demand for the training.

In May 2022, supported and funded by the Atlas Institute, Wounded Warriors Canada released Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, a course developed by Wounded Warriors Canada’s National Clinical Director, Dr. Tim Black to provide culturally specific clinical approaches for supporting this unique population which includes military, Veteran, first responder and police populations. When the first training was released there was immediate national demand, and to date more than 1,600 providers have completed the course.

In response to the demand the Atlas Institute provided additional funding to produce Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals in French which will make the course available in both official languages. Both will continue to be provided at no cost to eligible health care providers for the next two years while the two organizations continue to work together to produce additional modules. The French version of TeXP will be made available at a later date.

Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, “Working with the Atlas Institute is a great example of how partnerships serve as force multipliers for service delivery. We’re thrilled by the response we have received since we launched Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, which has served to reinforce how much the health care community cares about the mental health supports provided to our injured Veterans, first responders and their Families. We look forward to expanding access to this important training across the country.”

MaryAnn Notarianni, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization at the Atlas Institute, commented, “We have been so encouraged by the interest from health care providers to access Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals. The feedback on the course has demonstrated its relevance and effectiveness. We want to continue building on this momentum for Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, first responders and their Families. We’re so pleased to build on our productive partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada to develop a version of this excellent course completely in French and to enable access to any interested and eligible clinicians and health care providers over the next two years for both the English and French versions.”

Ottawa, ON – April 23, 2024 – After leaving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans have reported experiencing challenges in several areas in their lives, from employment to loss of identity. There has been an increase in Canadian research about the transition from military to post-service life in order to understand the factors that promote an optimal transition, but women’s specific experiences remain understudied. For this reason, the Canadian Legacy Project has partnered with the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families to conduct a study on the experiences of women Veterans during their transition from the military.

Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute, referred to this as a much-needed initiative, adding, “We know that women Veterans’ experiences can be different from that of men Veterans and that research is needed to inform tailored programming and supports for women who have transitioned — and are in the process of transitioning — to post-military life,” he said. “We expect the partnership with the Canadian Legacy Project will help identify some of the critical factors that impact transition and generate evidence to enhance the design of programs and supports.”

This study, which is being commissioned by the Canadian Legacy Project, will fall under the Atlas Institute’s broader program of research on women Veterans’ health and well-being. Dr. Sara Rodrigues, Director of Applied Research of the Atlas Institute added: “There is much that remains to be done for women Veterans to receive the support and care they need and deserve. Our goal is to work with women Veterans, amplifying their voices to inform research and initiatives and ensure they reflect their needs and priorities.”

“The increase of women enrollment in the Canadian military is reshaping the Veteran population. Women Veterans’ unique experiences can impact healthcare programs and this research will go a long way to ensure that their feedback helps shape the supports require to help them successfully transition back to civilian life.” David Howard, Founder and President of the Canadian Legacy Project noted. “Unfortunately our women Veterans are more likely to experience some types of traumatic events, such as sexual assault, during their service that is associated with a high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” Howard added.

Recruitment is set to begin in the near future and will be communicated through the Atlas Institute’s and the Canadian Legacy Project’s channels once it has started.

For more information, contact: media-atlas@theroyal.ca

Or

David Howard
Founder and President
Canadian Legacy Project
(403) 620-4255
www.canadianlegacy.org 

ABOUT THE CANADIAN LEGACY PROJECT

The Canadian Legacy Project is a national registered charity established in 2008 to support Canadian Veterans in their time of need and advocate on their behalf. The Canadian Legacy Project builds, directs and supports free programs for our Canadian Veterans to help them successfully transition back to civilian life. In parallel to this, the Canadian Legacy Project works with Canadas’ youth to educate them about the heroism and sacrifice made by our Canadian Veterans.

Quick Facts:

  • The Canadian Legacy Project provides free access to important services for Veterans, including housing, education, training, support services, programing and supports specific to women Veterans.
  • The Canadian Legacy Projects’ Business Boot Camp has become the fastest growing and most successful entrepreneurial training program for Canadian Veterans looking to start their own business.
  • The Canadian Legacy Project continues to be a lead partner of the Homes For Heroes charity, building tiny home communities for unhoused Veterans.

ABOUT THE ATLAS INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES

The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families works with Veterans, Families, service providers and researchers to bridge the divide between research and practice so Veterans and their Families can get the best possible mental health care and supports. The Atlas Institute was originally established as the Centre of Excellence on PTSD and Related Mental Health Conditions, through the Minister of Veterans

Quick facts:

  • The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families was established to provide easier access to information, research, tools and expertise on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health conditions.
  • Since its inception, Atlas has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles and created various knowledge products, including fact sheets, written resources, videos and infographics. Atlas has led or is currently leading dozens of research projects and has partnered on many others.
  • Atlas actively engages Veterans and their Families as key partners, co-investigators and co-authors of its research, including a process for their participation in reviewing research outcomes from a lived expertise perspective.
  • It also collaborates and partners with Veterans and Families to understand which issues matter most to them, using that knowledge to work with them and with service providers and researchers to co-create resources and knowledge products that fit the unique culture and needs of the Veteran and Family communities.

© 2025 Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families