Cruelty in the courtroom
is not justice.

For decades, the Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly affirmed that outdated rape myths and stereotyps have no place in sexual assault trials.

Yet misinformation and abusive tactics remain deeply embedded in the criminal justice system — and the legal profession cheers it on.

Rape is a violation.
The courtroom should not be a place where that violation continues.

We’re trying to change that.

Beyond The Verdict is a small survivor-led group supporting sexual assault survivors by advocating for justice reform.

Survivors should not be the ones on trial.

Learn more

OUR LATEST STATEMENT

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Beyond the Verdict calls for mandatory judicial education on publication ban reforms
Beyond the Verdict calls for mandatory judicial education on publication ban reforms

Whose rights are we protecting?! After surviving a violent sexual assault and trial, Susan Gilbreath requested her publication ban be lifted. The judge told her that doing so would be “unfair” to the man convicted of assaulting her.

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Breaking Idol: CBC documentary about survivor Jessica Baker
Breaking Idol: CBC documentary about survivor Jessica Baker

Beyond The Verdict’s “J.B.” is the subject of Breaking Idol, a new documentary from CBC based on Canadian True Crime’s podcast series about the first trial of former Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard…

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“A good defence lawyer should be able to challenge testimony without dehumanizing complainants,
relying on outdated stereotypes,
and trying to find loopholes in rape shield laws.

It is possible to respect the dignity of complainants and the rights of the accused. “

Our latest statements and news

Featured
Beyond the Verdict calls for mandatory judicial education on publication ban reforms
Beyond the Verdict calls for mandatory judicial education on publication ban reforms

Whose rights are we protecting?! After surviving a violent sexual assault and trial, Susan Gilbreath requested her publication ban be lifted. The judge told her that doing so would be “unfair” to the man convicted of assaulting her.

Read more →
CORNELL 7: “Here we go again - different men, same excuses”
CORNELL 7: “Here we go again - different men, same excuses”

Survivors Jessica Baker and Kelly Favro respond to the “Cornell 7” Frat House Rape Allegations

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Reponse to Hockey Canada’s code of conduct decision
Reponse to Hockey Canada’s code of conduct decision

“Much of the conversation around these developments has focused on Hockey Canada, the five players, their suspensions and information the criminal court never heard.

But we keep coming back to E.M.”

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See all statements and news