Watchdog calls for changes to how justice system treats sexual violence survivors

OTTAWA — The federal ombudsperson for victims of crime is calling for reforms to improve how survivors of sexual violence are treated by the criminal justice system.

Benjamin Roebuck said Wednesday too many survivors describe their experiences with the justice system as more harmful than the assault itself.

“Too many survivors told us that when they came forward, they were disbelieved, retraumatized and further harmed,” he told a press conference on Parliament Hill.

His office released a new report Wednesday based on an 18-month investigation involving interviews with survivors, police, Crown and defence attorneys and judges. His office also looked at academic research and hundreds of court cases and media articles.

“The message was clear. Survivors are silenced by myths and stereotypes that persist in courtrooms and police stations,” Roebuck said.

“They’re retraumatized by invasive cross-examinations and the threat of having their therapy records exposed. They feel abandoned when cases are stayed … leaving them without justice after years of waiting.”

The report found the 2016 Jordan ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada, which established timelines to limit unreasonable criminal trial delays, is causing serious sexual assault charges to be stayed — including cases involving children.

The report also identified numerous other issues, including the impact on survivors when their therapy and counselling records are subpoenaed. It says many survivors feel like they have to choose between justice and getting mental health supports.

“We heard from survivors that it’s a profound violation and a breach of trust when the federal government, who has responsibility for the Criminal Code, allows those records to be subpoenaed,” Roebuck said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 19, 2025.