Navigating the Legal System

In this Healing Comes in Waves episode, we talk to lawyer Gillian Hnatiw and feminist academic Mandi Gray about accessing the criminal and civil legal system. Reporting to the police and going through the legal system is one of many options survivors can choose from. This episode is an opportunity to learn more about the legal process and decide what works for you. Remember: whatever choice you make, it’s your decision.

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CONTENT NOTE:

There are no descriptions of sexual violence in this podcast series. In this episode, there is a discussion of navigating the legal system from the perspective of a lawyer and a survivor. This can bring up big feelings and be hard to hear. Listen in a way that feels safer for you. You get to choose.

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NEED SUPPORT?

If you have been affected by sexual violence or other forms of gender-based violence, you are not alone. There are resources like sexual assault support centres in your community that you can reach out to. Check out our resources page to learn more: https://healingcomesinwaves.ca/resources

If you are a Toronto Metropolitan University community member, please connect with Consent Comes First, the Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education: https://www.torontomu.ca/sexual-violence/

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KEEP CONNECTED TO HEALING COMES IN WAVES

Check out our website for transcripts, resources, and episode guides that include articles, supports and activities to explore attending to the impacts of trauma: www.healingcomesinwaves.ca

Follow us on Instagram: @healingcomesinwavespodcast

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MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Gillian Hnatiw is a feminist lawyer practicing in Toronto. She is an expert in gender-based violence, and her law firm, Gillian Hnatiw & Co., specializes in claims arising from sexual, physical and psychological abuse, harassment and assault, as well as from the non-consensual taking and sharing of intimate images. Gillian strives to empower her clients through various legal and restorative processes and to center their personal needs and goals. Gillian is the former Chair of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), a non-profit legal organization which works to advance gender equality through litigation, law reform and public education. She regularly speaks at conferences and seminars on a wide range of topics. Gillian is frequently sought out by industry and mainstream media for comment on sexual violence, professional regulation and accountability, diversity and gender equality issues.

Dr. Mandi Gray is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary. She recently finished a book titled Liar Lawsuits: Sexual Violence and Defamation Law in Canada that will be released in 2023. Mandi has been a community-based advocate working with women and girls involved in the legal system since 2008. Her experience as a sexual assault complainant and activist shape her academic research. Connect with her on Twitter @gotmysassypants or on her website www.mandigray.com

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CREDITS:

Created by Consent Comes First, the Office of Sexual Violence Support Education at Toronto Metropolitan University in Collaboration with the Consent Action Team. Podcast produced by Vocal Fry Studios. Graphic Design by Isabel Jordan.