Coverage of hockey players' trial could retraumatize survivors, says P.E.I. advocate
High-profile sexual assault trial could 'bring up a lot of traumatic memories'
A P.E.I. advocate says news stories about the ongoing trial of five former Canadian world junior hockey players can deeply affect survivors of sexual violence, but there are resources on the Island to help those who need support.
The trial has drawn national attention, involving five men charged with sexually assaulting a woman in June 2018. All five have pleaded not guilty.
The woman's identity is protected under a publication ban; she is being referred to in court as E.M.
This week, graphic details of sexual assault and violence have emerged and lawyers have been cross-examining the complainant.
Sarah Dennis is a program manager with the RISE Program on P.E.I., which supports people aged 16 and older in exploring their legal rights around sexual assault, intimate partner violence and sexual harassment. She says news stories like this can reopen old wounds for survivors.
"It can bring up a lot of traumatic memories, maybe about the assault itself. But then also, we have to consider about potentially the feelings around reporting to police or going through the court process as well," Dennis told CBC's Island Morning.
"We can also think about feelings that might come up about not being believed when they have reported to friends, police or otherwise. And I think it can create a lot of feelings of... being back in that same place that maybe they were in, you know, potentially a long time ago."
With stories like that of the hockey trial circulating widely, not only in traditional media but also online and on social media, Dennis said it can be difficult for survivors to avoid them. And the impact can be twofold.
"It could feel really frustrating that things haven't changed potentially for the better, and that cases like this are still happening," she said.
"But then I also think that ... hearing this in the media feels like, 'Well, change is happening. Cases are going to court, and people are getting potentially the support that they need.' And this is a great opportunity to share, you know, resources that are out there in the community that could be helpful to people who are in the same place."
Resources available on P.E.I.
Dennis pointed to several resources on the Island that people experiencing difficult feelings can turn to right now.
The P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Centre is a good place to start, she said. People can contact the centre at 902-368-8055 or toll-free at 1-888-368-8055.
There's also the P.E.I. Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line, which is available 24/7 at 1-833-553-6983 and is staffed by trained mental health professionals.
"And then there's us at the RISE program that can support people looking to navigate the legal system and the supports in the community as well," Dennis said.
Dennis added that there are things people can do to support a loved one who is a survivor of sexual assault and may be struggling with the news.
"It's always important to listen to survivors, really listen to what they're saying, what their needs are," she said. "If they're looking for supports in the community, reaching out to places like 211, the RISE program, P.E.I. Mental Health and Addictions — but really letting the survivor take the lead on that."
It's always important to listen to survivors, really listen to what they're saying, what their needs are.— Sarah Dennis
The trial will at some point come to an end, and Dennis said the outcome can affect survivors too.
"It's always important for advocates in the community to express to survivors that they're not alone and they are believed. So whether or not certain things happen in a courtroom and decisions come down as they might... us advocates are standing in a survivor's corner saying, 'We believe you, and you're not alone.'"
Dennis said the criminal justice system on P.E.I. over the years has looked at different approaches to handle sexual violence cases, such as exploring restorative justice programs and establishing specialized courts.
"Those changes aren't going to happen immediately, but... I think that anyone in the justice system in P.E.I. would like to see positive changes for survivors moving through the criminal justice system, and that re-traumatization does not happen."
With files from Island Morning