June 7, 2025
STATEMENT: As organizations committed to supporting and empowering survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, and advocating for systemic change grounded in care, dignity and justice, YWCA Ontario extends our unwavering solidarity to E.M. as she endures the ongoing Hockey Canada Trial.
Survivors of sexual violence too often endure intense public scrutiny, victim-blaming, and judgement. When survivors of sexual violence come forward, they should not be met with suspicion and relentless questioning of their character, but rather with the care and compassion they deserve.
This type of treatment is unjust and dangerous. It reinforces a culture of silence and fear that isolates survivors, telling them that speaking out will cost more than staying silent. Survivors should be met with belief, compassion and support – never scrutiny or doubt – and their safety and healing must always be prioritized.
We know that coming forward takes extraordinary courage – we recognize and honour E.M. ‘s strength during this process, and offer our strength and support to her, as we do all survivors.
We also affirm that every survivor’s path is their own. Safety and healing look different for every individual, and no one should feel forced to disclose.
Victim-blaming has no place in our communities or our courtrooms. The path towards safer, thriving communities begins with treating survivors of violence with the dignity and respect they deserve.
We urge all members of our respective communities, media outlets, and institutions to move forward in this moment with care, empathy and a commitment to survivor-centred justice.
To E.M. and all survivors, we believe you and you are not alone.
In solidarity,
YWCA Ontario Coalition
What is the Signal for Help?
The “Signal for Help” is a tool to help those experiencing gender-based violence, created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation. It’s a simple one-handed gesture someone can use, without leaving a digital trace, to communicate they need someone to safely check in and support them.
Watch video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLZEQFIm7k
10 Easy Steps to Maximize Your Tech Use Privacy
Ensure that your tech use and online sharing are done more safely to protect yourself.
Teen Digital Dating Toolkit
In a digital dating world, ensure your teen has the tools to protect themselves against digital dating violence
Need help?
We encourage anyone experiencing violence, in person or digitally, to connect with the following local services agencies to guide you to a safer future. If you are in immediate danger, please contact police by calling 9-1-1.
211
Helpline to find any service in your area. Call or text 211. https://211.ca/
Anishnaabe Kwewag Gamig Northern Ontario First Nations Crisis Line
Call 1-800-388-5171
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Call 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
Text: #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, or Telus mobile phone
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-6868 or text 686868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Seniors Safety Line
Call 1-866-299-1011
Trans Lifeline
Peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. Call 1-877-330-6366. https://translifeline.org/
Victim Services Elgin
Victim Services Elgin provides assistance and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for victims of crime and tragic circumstances in St. Thomas, Aylmer, and all communities within Elgin County. https://www.victimserviceselgin.com/
Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women provides women with 24 hour helpline, drop-in support as well as emergency shelter. https://www.vawsec.on.ca/
Second Stage Housing
Second Stage Housing provides transitional supports and safe housing to women with or without children, who are leaving abusive relationships. https://www.secondstagehousing.net/