How the Hockey Canada trial motivated us to start a survivor-led advocacy group
Statement ahead of the July 24 verdict
As women who have endured the scrutiny of testifying in a sexual assault trial, we’ve been watching the Hockey Canada trial unfold in real time with growing alarm. So on anticipation of the judge’s decision, we want to share where we stand and why we started this advocacy group.
The public has been led to believe the case is about justice. But what we’ve seen looks more like a cautionary tale, a warning to any survivor who dares to speak out, especially when powerful institutions are involved.
What “E.M.” has been subjected to as victim-complainant should concern every Canadian who believes in fairness, justice, and dignity for victims of gender-based violence. We commend her courage, resilience, and clarity. Her willingness to testify is an act of strength that deserves respect and support, so we stand in solidarity with E.M. and all survivors who choose to come forward.
We know what it’s like to take the stand and be picked apart. To have our trauma dissected, our motives questioned, and our credibility attacked using outdated, harmful myths about what a “real” victim looks like. We’ve seen those tactics echoed in the press and cemented into the public record.
The Hockey Canada trial has been widely discussed in locker rooms, group chats, coffee shops and comment sections as a stark reminder of how dismally this country treats survivors of sexual violence.
And survivors across Canada are watching, and hurting. Rape crisis centres have reported spikes in calls since this trial began. Some have decided never to report. Some are watching E.M. and quietly choosing to disappear. The message is clear: if you speak up, you will be punished. And that’s a problem.
Staying silent is no longer an option.
We testified, endured the scrutiny, and reclaimed our voices. And now, we’re raising them. The harm we’ve witnessed during the Hockey Canada trial has motivated us to form Beyond The Verdict, a survivor-led advocacy group to challenge the way Canada’s legal system treats survivors who come forward.
We implore those with influence to see the systemic harm these trials inflict on survivors and to act swiftly to bring reforms that ensure survivors are respected, supported, and protected, not revictimized in the courtroom.
We owe sexual assault survivors more than rhetoric and token gestures. We owe them real change.
If this trial is not the breaking point for reform, what is it going to take?
→ Stay tuned for our full statement in response to the verdict.
Further reading:
Hockey Canada trial ends. Crown details case for each man - Toronto Star
How the issue of consent has been raised in the Hockey Canada trial - The Globe and Mail
Women’s centres see crisis calls rise during high-profile Hockey Canada trial - The Globe and Mail
Survivors push Ontario to end restorative justice ban - Toronto Star
A timeline of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial and key moments | CBC News