
Episode 5: The Battered Woman Defence
Explicit content warning
10/31/23 • 31 min
The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial.
Elizabeth Sheehy’s book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts.
Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.
Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence
E-mail the reporter at [email protected]
If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca
New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial.
Elizabeth Sheehy’s book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts.
Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.
Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence
E-mail the reporter at [email protected]
If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca
New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Previous Episode

Episode 4: Responsibility Pie
Helen is interrogated by police officers who say they understand the abuse she’d been living with, and know that something had to happen for her to get free. Someone she loves has betrayed her. Her life – and the lives of her sons – are all on the line.
Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.
Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence
E-mail the reporter at [email protected]
If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca
New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Next Episode

Episode 6: Thanks, Gentlemen
Helen is sent to prison for the death of her husband. Around the country, people object to her sentence and the way she’s treated in court. In the isolation of prison, Helen wonders whether she’s done something wrong by accepting the deal, and has to consider what to do next.
Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.
Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence
Email the reporter at [email protected]
If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca
New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
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