First and foremost, we recognize the deep re-traumatization and pain this trial has caused for people who have experienced sexual violence across the country. To every person who has experienced sexual violence: we see you, we believe you, and we support you.
At Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, we are profoundly disappointed by the court’s decision in the Hockey Canada case. However, we aren’t surprised. Sexual violence court cases are inherently complex and complicated and one only needs to look at other cases to see the repeated pattern of victims not being believed. This case is eerily similar to the 1992 Canadian Hockey case where the Justice also believed five men over one woman. We stand in unwavering solidarity with E.M. and we commend her for her strength and bravery throughout this entire process.
Time and time again, we have seen the failings of our legal system and how it continues to harm those who have experienced sexual violence. In fact, Canada still has an only 6% reporting rate. This verdict is not an isolated event. It undermines the progress we have made as a society in addressing sexual violence, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. It sends a disturbing message that powerful men can act without consequence, something we have seen echoed in far too many other cases. We believe, now more than ever, that #MeToo is relevant and needed.
We know that people who have experienced sexual violence respond to trauma in many different ways. There is no single or “correct” way to react. We also know that consent is not simply the absence of a “no.” It must be clear, voluntary, and ongoing. Throughout this trial, harmful and deeply outdated myths about sexual violence were given space in the courtroom and now in the judge’s decision. These narratives do not reflect the reality of how sexual violence occurs or how people process trauma.
And we know that for many, justice and healing are not found in the legal system. The courtroom does not always deliver safety, truth, or accountability and too often, it causes further harm.
From the summer of 2022 through early 2024, we worked with Hockey Canada to deliver court-mandated training and education. This included a joint effort with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region in the summer of 2022, where we provided training to players from the U-17, U-18, and National Junior teams. We also worked with the Women’s U-18 team, the National Women’s Team, the Women’s National Development Program, and Hockey Canada staff.
We delivered in-person sessions in Calgary, while the Waterloo Centre facilitated online training. In 2022 alone, CCASA delivered more than 30 hours of training to over 400 participants. Our engagement with Hockey Canada continued into 2024, with customized education for multiple programs and staff groups.
Despite this extensive work, our experience with Hockey Canada was marked by a hostile and dismissive environment. The organization was more preoccupied with the financial cost of training than with addressing and dismantling the harmful culture embedded in their system. At every turn, it was evident that they did not recognize the value or understand this training and eventually, they stopped responding to our emails.
This culture is toxic and it extends beyond Hockey Canada. It reflects broader issues in the sport that continue to harm individuals and communities. It must be challenged, directly and unapologetically.
We do not believe that parents of hockey players want this culture for their sons. We hope to see parents involved in Hockey Canada remain vocal, stay outraged, and continue demanding real, lasting change.
Today, is a difficult and painful day. But the work must continue.
What has become clear throughout this trial is that men and boys must be part of the conversation. There is an urgent need to challenge harmful norms around masculinity and to create space for men and masculine-identifying people to support one another in moving toward healthier, more respectful ways of being.
Sexual violence affects every community. We cannot move forward without addressing the pervasive influence of rape culture, the impact of locker room talk, and the critical importance of teaching and practicing consent. These conversations are not optional. They are necessary to bring an end to sexual violence.
In the coming days, we must each ask ourselves what kind of communities we want to build. What kind of foundation do we want to lay for the next generation? We encourage everyone to have these difficult conversations, to challenge harmful myths about sexual violence, and to support people who have experienced it with compassion, with courage, and with commitment.
As always, we at CCASA are here to support anyone impacted by sexual violence.
- Call the CCASA Support and Information Line at 403-237-5888 for free and confidential support and information.
- Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence also offers phone, text, and chat options. Call or text 1-866-403-8000 to be connected with a trained volunteer.