Over more than a year, thousands of survivors, frontline workers, and justice professionals shared their experiences. Their message was consistent: many survivors feel the court process is confusing, intimidating, and often retraumatizing. Many also worry they won’t be believed or supported if they come forward.
The investigation found that long delays in the court system can make things even harder. In some cases, trials take so long that charges are dropped before survivors ever get to share their story in court. This leaves many feeling betrayed and discouraged, especially after waiting months or even years while reliving their trauma.
To help improve the system, the report offers 43 recommendations. These include ensuring survivors have better support when testifying, protecting their counselling and medical information, making the court process less harmful, and improving access to alternative options like restorative approaches. Overall, the report calls for a justice system that is more survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and fair.