A survivor-led rally in Ottawa is at the centre of this week’s Silence Broken: The IPV Talks, before the conversation turns to how survivors of sexual violence can report what happened and seek support.
Host Bob Perreault and Lanark County Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee discuss a gathering held at the Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street during heavy rain.
Lee says survivors, including some speaking publicly for the first time, came together to call attention to what they see as failures in systems meant to protect victims.
The episode then shifts to reporting sexual assault and the different paths a survivor may choose.
Lee says police are one option, but not the only one. Survivors may also turn to hospitals, trained nurses, crisis lines, shelters, sexual assault centres, counselling or other supports.
She says the process should be based on what feels safe and meaningful to the person affected.
The discussion also looks at healing, justice and why survivors should not be judged for when — or how — they decide to come forward.
The complete conversation is featured in this week’s Silence Broken: The IPV Talks, found below.
