Justice System Sends Dangerous Message to Survivors in Wake of London Hockey Trial
June 4, 2025
TORONTO — With a verdict expected soon in the high-profile sexual assault trial of five former World Junior hockey players, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter is calling attention to the dangerous precedent the case is setting for survivors of sexual violence.
“This trial makes one thing painfully clear,” says Laverne Blake, Interim Executive Director of Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter. “Survivors are often still treated like suspects.”
In an op-ed published today on the Ernestine’s website, Blake outlines how the system retraumatizes survivors, distorts trauma responses, and reinforces a culture of disbelief. She writes:
“We do mental gymnastics to blame survivors for the violence done to them… Can our justice system ever honestly say it has found ‘reasonable doubt’ when it treats survivors so unreasonably?”
The piece highlights how common courtroom tactics — such as fixating on inconsistent memories or scrutinizing a survivor’s behaviour — ignore scientific research on trauma and perpetuate harmful myths about consent.
Statistics Canada reports that 94% of sexual assaults in Canada go unreported. “The scenes from this trial only reinforce the fear that survivors won’t be believed,” Blake adds.
Regardless of the outcome, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter stands firm in its support for the young woman at the heart of the case, known publicly as E.M.:
“We believe E.M. Just as we believe every survivor who walks through our doors.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual or gender-based violence, call Ernestine’s 24/7 crisis line at 416-746-3716. You will be heard. You will be believed.
Media Contact:
Emily McClung
Development and Engagement Manager