‘My heart goes out to E.M.’: Support centre hosting event, reacting after acquittal in sexual assault trial
Posted Jul 25, 2025 06:58:34 AM.
Last Updated Jul 25, 2025 04:14:14 PM.
Thursday marked the end of a long, drawn out saga for everyone involved in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, but the verdict is still echoing amongst victims of abuse and the local support systems that serve them.
“The verdict, of course, is very disappointing, but not surprising,” Lyndsey Butcher, director of care at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASCWR), said.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia handed down acquittals to the five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team who were accused of sexual assault, claiming that the complainant’s testimony was not credible or reliable.
“The criminal justice system is not designed to say what actually happened, it’s about proving things beyond a reasonable doubt. Just because there’s a not guilty verdict doesn’t mean that harm did not happen to E.M. in that hotel room,” Butcher said.
In response to the conclusion of the trial, SASCWR is hosting a care event at its headquarters on Frederick Street on Friday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., inviting the public to attend.
The event will feature crafts, activities, and space for survivors of sexual assault to express themselves.
According to Butcher, less than six per cent of sexual assault cases are reported to police. From there, the rate at which a perpetrator is charged is even lower, and the cases that make their way through the criminal justice process are rarer still.
“My heart goes out to E.M. and all the other survivors, especially in our community, that are impacted by this verdict,” she said.
SASCWR recently received a pledge from Rangers Reach and the Kitchener Rangers to fund programs that promote meaningful change and education for young men in sports, like the Male Allies Program and the Leading By Example Sports program.
Butcher added that, at SASCWR, there are supporters that will believe and stand by survivors and victims if they choose to attempt to navigate the criminal justice system.
How to receive support
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, call the Sexual Assault Support Centre at (519)741-8633.
Services are free of charge and completely confidential, relieving the financial burden for victims of sexual violence.
If you wish to speak face-to-face with a support specialist or counsellor, visit them in person at 300-151 Frederick St. in Kitchener.
