Kelly Stewart, a student at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), made a shocking discovery when she found a hidden webcam inside her dorm room while plugging in her phone. This incident led to an investigation by the Canadian Forces Military Police for voyeurism and breaking and entering offenses.
Documents obtained by Stewart through Access to Information legislation revealed that the investigation was taken over by the National Investigation Service, a specialized unit, following the discovery of the webcam. Despite the investigation, no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
Years later, Stewart decided to share her story after witnessing support for a woman alleging gang rape at Cornell University. She expressed her frustrations on social media, highlighting the impact of the incident on her mental health and the lack of support from her superiors.
Stewart eventually requested a voluntary release from the military, citing the negative effects on her well-being. She faced challenges during the investigation, including delays in accessing evidence and lack of support from her superiors.
The Department of National Defence (DND) confirmed that two of the individuals involved in Stewart’s case have retired. Stewart also filed a formal complaint against the investigating officer, which is currently under review by the Military Police Complaints Commission.
Despite the challenges she faced, Stewart remains determined to share her story and advocate for better support for victims of sexual misconduct in the military. The DND has acknowledged the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all Defense Team members but highlighted the need for continuous improvement.
Stewart’s experience sheds light on the broader issue of sexual harassment within military institutions. Her bravery in coming forward serves as a call for accountability and reform to ensure the well-being of all individuals serving in the military.
