For victims of sexual assault who are often are left disappointed by the legal system, a new Surviving the System Handbook may offer essential advice to help them choose the right path.
The handbook is designed to help women who have experienced sexual violence to understand their choices and make an informed decision about whether to use the justice system or seek alternative approaches.
It was created and published by the Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women and Children at the Faculty of Education at The University of Western Ontario.
Barb MacQuarrie, Community Director at the Centre, says many women who have experienced sexual violence use the legal process with the expectation they will find justice, but instead come away feeling hurt – sometimes deeply hurt – by the system.
“Our goal is not to discourage women from using the legal system, but to give them some sense of what they might expect, so they are prepared and can make the right choices. It is also meant to encourage them to put some personal supports in place before they take action.”
Funding for the handbook was provided by The Canadian Bar Law for the Future Fund and the first draft of the handbook was written by two lawyers, Leslie Reaume and Susan Nickle.
Nickle says there has been an absence of information written in lay language offering clear and comprehensive information for victims of violence and sexual violence.
“People need to know where to go, what costs money and what is free, and what realistically they can expect when they seek help,” says Nickle. “In the absence of good information, people believe what they see on television, which often gives us an unrealistic look at the justice system. The handbook is designed to be easy to read and straight forward. It is not a substitute for legal advice, but rather a first-step book that sets out the various roads one may go down.”
MacQuarrie says the Centre is thankful to the women who shared the stories that are contained in the handbook, and who took the time to review early drafts and offer input.
“It often takes a great deal of courage for women to seek help after a sexual assault, and they can feel victimized again by a system that by its nature makes them feel their personal history, reputation and motives are also on trial,” says MacQuarrie.
Sharon Scrimshaw is a sexual assault survivor who shared her thoughts and experiences in the handbook.
“This book has been long-needed, and I am particularly impressed by the messages for women who experienced sexual assault in the workplace,” says Scrimshaw. “It covers not only the legal aspects, but also acknowledges the feelings women may have – the emotions, including fear and isolation, and the feeling that you are David going up against Goliath. It also tells women that if they enter the justice system, it will be financially draining.”
The book is now available for downloading at no cost on the Centre’s website and print copies will be distributed to sexual assault and rape crisis centres across the province and other organizations people go for help.