‘Shock and outrage’: Advocates react to not guilty verdict in Sloka trial
Posted Apr 24, 2026 03:50:29 PM.
Last Updated Apr 27, 2026 03:19:17 PM.
The lengthy sexual assault trial of former neurologist Jeffery “Scott” Sloka came to an end in a Kitchener courtroom on Friday.
Sloka was acquitted on all 48 counts against him in what has been described as one of the largest sexual assault cases in Waterloo Region’s history. Accusations by dozens of former female patients began surfacing in 2017, some of them dating back to 2010.
An investigation was launched in 2018, and in 2019, Sloka was stripped of his licence to practice medicine. The trial began in 2021.
Within minutes of the verdict, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) issued a lengthy statement.
“Today’s verdict in the Sloka trial is deeply upsetting for many survivors in our community,” it reads. “We know this ruling will bring up a range of emotions including anger, grief, confusion, disbelief, or something harder to name. There is no right way to feel.”
The statement took aim at the courts, saying, “Our criminal justice system does not consistently deliver justice for survivors of sexual violence.”
Sara Casselman, Executive Director at SASC told 570 NewsRadio she’s heard two things from the community.
“Shock and outrage. Outrage that so many voices and so many experiences were disregarded and frankly discredited,” said Casselman.
She added, “Our community needs to know that survivors deserve much better than a system that requires exceptional resilience to be heard and that is so often falling short of meaningful accountability for survivors.”
SASC offers a 24-hour support line for survivors of sexual violence in our community, (519) 741-8633. Free, confidential counselling is also available.
SASC Waterloo Region will be hosting the a Healing Together intimate gathering on May 1, 2026 at its offices on Frederick St. in Kitchener.
Casselman said the gathering is intended for those involved in the case and the Healing Together event will be the first time they can all gather together.
Attendees are asked to register ahead of time.
