Some rape crisis centres report spike in calls since start of Hockey Canada sexual assault trial

***Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers.***

In the wake of the high-profile trial of five former world junior hockey players accused of sexual assault, rape crisis centres across the country are seeing a significant increase in calls for help. The trial, which centers around allegations of sexual assault in a London hotel room in 2018, has sparked a surge in women reaching out for support and guidance.

Karley Doucette, the education and communications manager at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, has reported a 25% spike in the number of women seeking assistance or wanting to discuss their own experiences with sexual violence. Many survivors in the community are feeling retraumatized by the media coverage of the trial, prompting them to seek support to cope with their emotions and memories.

Some callers are also seeking guidance on what to expect if they were to report their own experiences to the police and navigate the criminal justice system. There is a common sentiment that the legal system is ill-equipped to handle cases of sexual violence, adding to the fears and uncertainties of survivors.

The trial involves former hockey players Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, and Carter Hart, who have pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charges. The complainant, known as E.M., alleges that she did not consent to the sexual acts that took place in the hotel room after a night of dancing and drinking.

The intense cross-examination of E.M. by the defense teams has been particularly triggering for many women, causing them to reconsider reporting their own experiences to the authorities. This retraumatization and triggering effect have led to an influx of calls to crisis lines and support centers, as survivors grapple with their own trauma.

Julie Lalonde, a victims’ rights advocate based in Ottawa, highlights the impact of high-profile cases on survivors of sexual violence. The media coverage and details of the trial can evoke intense emotions and fears in women who see themselves reflected in E.M.’s experience.

The London Abused Women’s Centre has also seen a rise in call volumes since the trial began, with many current clients expressing how the proceedings have impacted them. The fear of not being believed or facing a similar ordeal in court is a common concern among survivors contemplating reporting their experiences.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, survivors are encouraged to seek support and explore their options. The trial serves as a reminder of the lifelong impacts of sexual violence and the importance of addressing trauma and seeking healing.

As the trial nears its conclusion with closing arguments scheduled to begin, the courage and strength of E.M. in coming forward are acknowledged. The support and solidarity from communities and support centers play a crucial role in empowering survivors to seek help and justice.

For those in immediate danger or in need of support, resources such as crisis lines and local services are available. The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region has introduced a text and chat service to provide discreet support for those seeking help.

It is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of survivors and create a supportive environment for those impacted by sexual violence. Together, we can work towards a society free from sexual assault and provide survivors with the care and support they deserve.