Reaction to not guilty verdicts in sex assault trial, and what it might mean for victims of abuse

The verdicts are in. Here’s what you need to know about the sexual assault trial for 5 former world junior hockey players and local reaction to the verdicts.

Hundreds of protestors gathered outside a London Ont., courtroom Thursday morning before the judge ruled each of the accused not guilty in the sexual assault trial of five former world junior hockey players.

Jessie Rodger, executive director of ANOVA, a victim services centre, said she was “frustrated” but “not surprised.”

Supporters of the complainant, known as E.M., said they want her to know she is not alone.

“There are people who believe her and still believe her,” said Rodger. “Survivors from coast to coast are watching this happen, there are people who have not disclosed their sexual abuse watching this happen.”

Rodger said the verdict will not only impact E.M., but prevent sexual assault victims from coming forward in the future.

“If we can counter that by letting people know that there are people who believe you, there are people who will support you, I think that’s what we are hoping for,” said Rodger.

Jennifer Dunn with the London Abused Women’s Centre said while she is ‘disappointed’ by the verdict, she is also ‘concerned.’

“For all survivors that have either attempted to go through the criminal justice system or were thinking about it, this puts us back a few steps,” said Dunn. “That’s scary.”

Dunn said we need to work as a community to end violence against women.

“It’s more than just the verdict, it’s more than what you see play out in a courtroom,” said Dunn. “It’s about community, strength, and courage.”