Why is Sexual Assault the only crime where victims are scrutinized as if they were the guilty party?
EPISODE ONE COMING MAY 21
EPISODE ONE COMING MAY 21
A Podcast series questioning why sexual assault cases continue to face such steep uphill battles in the justice system, and interrogating what justice means in the aftermath of trauma
Introducing The DefendantsListen to gain a new understanding
Hear from survivors as they share first-hand experiences with the justice system.
The overwhelming majority (96%) of victims choose not to even report their crime to the police. They’re saying that the current system is doing more harm than good,
Join us on our search to understand what meaningful change is required to transform the criminal justice system’s response to sexual violence.
We all deserve a system that works fairly and efficiently.
To get that, we first need to understand what the problem is.
What to expect?
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For every 1000 sexual assaults that occur only 2 offenders on average will get a guilty verdict.
Join us in exploring the complicated realities surrounding sexual assault allegations, the legal system, and the broader cultural conversations tied to accountability and due process.
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Our current system is so antithetical to survivors’ needs that some experts suggest you pay out of pocket for independent legal advice before entering the system.
On The Defendants we’ll explore surprising insights and revelations about how the system is actually experienced by victims.
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What “worked” for them, what didn't? What do they want from the justice system? And what do they need people who’ve never encountered this problem to know?
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An understanding of the legal system often requires knowledge of complicated jargon that you need a degree to understand. We’ve broken it down so that everyone can comprehend what’s happening, because without the language to describe what’s wrong we can’t get to solutions.
Episode one Illustration by Laura O’Connor
Meet Jane Aster Roe
Creator & Host of The Defendants
Jane is an award-winning Canadian writer and producer. She has experience working across all platforms from small indie production houses to bigger companies like CBC.
The Defendants series was born out of the anger and bewilderment Jane felt as a victim going through the justice system, and the realization of how un-just the process is for so many.
“I created a show that would give people a firm and thorough understanding of how the system actually works, so that we could start having necessary conversations to help change it.
It's the show that I wish was available to me as I was navigating the legal system.”
The Defendants Creator & Host,
Jane Aster Roe