Are stiff sexual assault sentences deterring guilty pleas, forcing too many victims to testify?

the justice system, but the unintended consequences are longer delays and more trauma for victims.\”Many advocates argue that the focus should be on providing better support for victims throughout the legal process, rather than solely relying on harsh sentences to secure guilty pleas. This includes ensuring victims have access to trauma-informed services, support, and legal representation to navigate the complexities of the legal system.Changes to the laws around sexual assault cases are necessary to strike a balance between protecting victims’ rights and ensuring a fair trial for the accused. However, the current system appears to be failing both victims and accused individuals. The long delays, extensive pre-trial hearings, and lack of incentives for guilty pleas are creating a system that is not serving the interests of justice for anyone involved.Van der Hoek’s comments shed light on the challenges faced by victims of sexual assault in the Canadian legal system. It is clear that more needs to be done to address these issues and ensure that victims are not retraumatized by the legal process. By focusing on providing better support for victims and streamlining the legal process, we can work towards a more just and compassionate system for all parties involved.