Hundreds of stayed sexual assault cases send chilling message to victims, advocates warn

A national tally by CBC found at least 268 sexual assault-related cases have been stayed due to unreasonable delays since 2016. That’s when the Supreme Court of Canada set strict timelines for trials to be completed: 30 months for Superior Court cases and 18 months for provincial and youth courts.

Victim advocates warn that when this happens it strips the complainant of legal protections, offers no accountability and sends a chilling message to survivors: Reporting these crimes could bring them more harm than justice.

“The system isn’t there to protect you. It’s there to protect the criminal,” said Danika. “He’s out there and could do this to anyone.” Link to full story here.