The Pearson Centre hosted an inspiring and sobering discussion on the ways survivors of sexual violence are treated in Canada’s criminal justice system. Our brilliant panelists – Ben Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime; Alexa Barkley and Tanya Couch, Co-Founders of Survivor Safety Matters; and Silvia Samsa, Executive Director of Sexual Assault and Violence Interventions Services (SAVIS) – highlighted serious systemic problems facing victims of abuse, while also bringing solutions to the table. Led by Pam Damoff, The Pearson Centre’s CEO, and Kevin Bosch, our Board Chair, the conversation was centered around a recently released report, “Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation,” and a related piece of legislation, Bill C-16, which is currently pending before Parliament.

“Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation” was released in late 2025 by the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime. It is based on an 18-month investigation during which the Ombudsperson’s team spoke with nearly 3,000 people across Canada, conducted research and surveys, and interviewed more than 100 survivors of sexual violence. Ben noted that it’s deeply concerning that many survivors who are in contact with the criminal justice system find that experience even more traumatic than the actual sexual assault, and the report offers 43 recommendations for remedying this problematic reality.

Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation – Canada.ca