First Encounters

We take a look at first encounters: with the justice system, with telling someone, and with the law. We’re looking beyond the headlines to the root issues underneath, and we’re exploring the first steps in the process for victims: disclosure and the decision to go to the police. 

0:16 - Jane's personal disclosure story
2:13 - Headlines of the #MeToo Era
3:20 - Sexual assault statistics and underreporting
5:32 - The justice system is not broken (because it has never worked)
7:17 - Shannon's story: breaking five years of silence
11:32 - Riley's experience: deciding not to go to the police after experiencing grooming
12:20 - Georgia's experience: deciding not to go to the police after experiencing molestation
12:58 - Cait's experience: eight years in the system
13:45 - Victims' understanding of the legal system
15:17 - Getting independent legal advice
18:42 - What needs to change?

All sources, statistics, multimedia clips, and music credits are available on Substack.

The Defendants is a podcast exploring how sexual assault cases move through the justice system… and why it never seems to work in favour of victims. We want to know what has to change within the system for it to actually work, and we are interrogating what justice means in the aftermath of trauma. This is a podcast where we figure out exactly how this system fails, why, and what to do about it.

Thanks for listening and being a part of this conversation. This is a completely grassroots, independent podcast. Your support directly funds our ability to continue. 

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• Questions or ideas about the show? defendantspodoutreach@protonmail.com
• Follow on Instagram: @thedefendantspodcast | @jane_aster_roe
• Media appearances: daltonhiggins@gmail.com

SA Survivor Resource Document - This document contains Canadian, U.S, and global sources to find guidance, information, and aid for survivors of sexual assault. Detailed descriptions of each resource within the document.

Jane Aster Roe - Executive Producer, Host
Rachel Arundel - Executive Producer
Katie Jensen - Executive Producer, Editor, Sound Designer
Jessica Strachan - Story Producer
Charlotte Gregg - Research Producer
Isis Madrid - Editor, Sound Designer
Rachel Bromberg - Fact Checker
Dawson Fleming - Production Assistant
Michelle Crossman - Mental Health Consultant
Lindsey Keene - Outreach Coordinator
Cheryl Grossman - Legal
Dalton Higgins - Publicity
Kathlyn Gardner - Events

Thank you for listening. Be kind to yourself and to one another.