Being Brave in the Face of Sexual Assault: A Call to Action

Strategic Insights -

As one of the most high-profile sexual-assault cases in Canadian sports history has ended in acquittals, the legal system's failure to provide justice to survivors is starkly revealed. The acquittals serve as a reminder that the system often feels like an obstacle course built to exhaust and discredit those who report. The aftermath of such verdicts is always marked by misinformation, rape myths, and a sense of disappointment and disillusionment. Survivors may wonder if anyone is safe to trust with their story, and if being brave is something they owe the world. However, being brave isn't just about the survivors; it's also about the community's response.

Key Takeaways:

  • The acquittal of the 2018 Canadian junior national hockey team members highlights the need for a change in how we respond to disclosures of sexual assault.
  • The BRAVE model, a five-step framework for responding to disclosures, emphasizes the importance of listening, respecting confidentiality, asking about support, validating the survivor's experience, and empathizing with them.
  • Survivors want to be heard without judgment and supported without hesitation. By being brave, community members can show up for survivors and provide a safe space for their stories to be shared.
  • According to Statistics Canada (2019), there were approximately 940,000 incidents of sexual assault in Canada in a year, but only six percent were reported to police.
  • Misinformation and rape myths can be challenging to combat, but it's essential to believe survivors, respect their confidentiality, and provide the support they need.
  • The BRAVE model is not a replacement for professional support, but it can be a helpful tool for community members to provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors.
  • Being brave is not a one-time action but a practice of choosing to show up for each other out loud (Farrah Khan, a gender justice advocate, educator, and counsellor who has worked in the movement to end sexual violence for over 25 years).

Statistics:

  • Approximately 940,000 incidents of sexual assault occurred in Canada in a year, as reported by Statistics Canada (2019).
  • Only six percent of these incidents were reported to police.
  • One-in-five victims of sexual assault in Canada is subjected to victim-blaming or feels responsible (Statistics Canada, 2019).

Sources:

  • Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, emphasizes that Me Too is a movement, not a moment.
  • Farrah Khan, a gender justice advocate, educator, and counsellor, is a survivor of sexual assault and created the BRAVE model to help community members respond to disclosures of sexual assault.
  • Statistics Canada (2019) reported that there were approximately 940,000 incidents of sexual assault in Canada in a year.