A Survey of Survivors of Sexual Violence in the Northwest Territories

4. Conclusion

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of survivors of sexual violence in one of Canada’s territories. The participants shared their abuse and/or assault experiences and many experienced both CSA and ASA. The participants also described the difficult emotional after-effects of their experiences. The participants also described a number of mechanisms that they use to cope, both positive and negative. Many of the effects of the sexual violence and the coping mechanisms described by the survivors are consistent with the findings of previous research.

This study found that, consistent with other research on exploring reporting of sexual violence, the majority of survivors of CSA and ASA did not report their abuse to the police. The participants offered a number of reasons for this, the most common being shame and embarrassment, a fear of not being believed, a fear of the offender, and the fact that they did not know they could report it. One example of how these concerns could be addressed is by providing more education on sexual violence to individuals of all ages with the message that they are not to blame and that the criminal justice system is there to help. It is also important to focus on the reasons why the participants chose to report their abuse and/or assault. For example, many participants indicated that they reported to address negative feelings and to take action. First responders could tell survivors about the positive effects of reporting, which may lead survivors to feel more comfortable about reporting the incident.

The participants also shared their experiences with, and views of, the criminal justice system. The results indicated that the participants learned about the criminal justice system through a number of mechanisms, most commonly through the media and the police. Through the interviews with the participants, however, it was clear that many did not understand the criminal justice system, how it functions and who is involved. This highlights the importance of providing culturally relevant legal education in order to improve understanding of the mechanics of the justice system, which may in turn increase survivors’ likelihood of reporting.

While understanding the criminal justice system is very important for victims and witnesses, research has shown that trauma, such as sexual assault, impacts learning (see McDonald 2000, 2002; Horsman 1999). Trauma can result in many negative cognitive outcomes, including memory problems, decision-making deficits, increased susceptibility to social influence, disorientation, concentration problems, all of which impact learning (Horsman 1999; Rundle and Ysabet- Scott 1995). Because of the impact of trauma on learning, there will be individuals who will not understand or retain information that is given to them by victim services providers. Training on the impacts of trauma on learning should be provided to victim services and other criminal justice professionals so that they are better equipped to deliver information in a way that ensures that survivors are able to understand, retain and apply the information they need to make informed choices about their role in the criminal justice system.

Very few participants reported their abuse and/or assault to police and even fewer became involved with the justice system as a result. Those who became involved with the justice system experienced a range of outcomes and most of those who were involved were kept informed throughout the process, mainly through the police. Overall, however, the majority of participants were not confident in the justice system, including the police or the court process.

The participants also provided suggestions on what they believe survivors of sexual violence should know about the criminal justice system. The advice given to survivors reflected the inherent challenges for victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system. For example, some participants stated that it is a long process, while others stressed the fact that the justice system exists to help victims. A number of suggestions were also provided in terms of how to best share this information with survivors. The importance of providing education on sexual abuse through school programs was stressed by a number of participants. Participants also stressed that all individuals should be provided education about sexual violence.

Finally, the participants were asked how the criminal justice system could better meet the needs of survivors of sexual violence. A number of suggestions were provided which reflected three themes: increased support, increased assistance with navigating the criminal justice system, and balancing the treatment of survivors and accused. The latter point highlights the fact that some victims need to be provided with information on how charging and sentencing decisions are made and why a particular sentence was imposed. With additional information on how the criminal justice system operates, the factors that prosecutors consider when determining whether to press charges, and the factors that judges consider when determining whether to convict an offender and which sentence to impose, the survivor may be less inclined to perceive the system as unfair. Because of the role that Crown Witness Coordinators and victim services workers play in helping victims in the North, they can initiate more fulsome discussions around how these decisions are made.

This study also underscored the importance of cultural considerations. For example, some participants described cultural beliefs and norms when considering whether to report their abuse. Also, there was evidence of language barriers in the interviews. These language barriers may also be related to the lack of understanding of the justice system that was clear in the interviews, both because of the fact that for some, English is not their first language, but also because of the “legalese” used in the justice system. Cultural and language factors are important to consider when providing help to survivors and they highlight the importance of providing culturally appropriate help and information in a language that individuals understand.

It is important to note that because this study involved a small sample, the results cannot be generalized to all survivors of sexual violence in Canada’s northern territories. The experiences described in this survey do not necessarily reflect those of all survivors of sexual violence in the North, or of survivors of sexual violence in general. In order to gain a more fulsome insight into the experiences of survivors of sexual violence in Canada’s north, future research should include survivors from across all three territories.

The findings of this study provide some important insights into the experiences and needs of survivors of sexual violence in Canada’s North. As we better understand the needs of survivors of sexual violence, all stakeholders can work to better respond to those needs.