In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Christie Pachakis from SOAR Initiative to reflect on the recent World Juniors sexual assault trial - a case that has shaken the nation and forced uncomfortable but necessary conversations about consent, accountability, victim blaming, and rape culture in sports. Together, we break down the trial, the impact on survivors, and the media's role in shaping public perception. But more importantly, we go beyond the headlines to address a deeper, systemic issue: the urgent need for comprehensive consent education and the responsibility we have to teach young people about respectful, healthy sexual conduct. We also highlight SOAR Initiative’s important advocacy work, including their Change.org petition to the NHL, demanding stronger accountability measures in professional sports. Tune in for a conversation that calls us all in—and asks: what are we doing to shift culture and protect future generations? Guest: Christie Pachakis – Survivor, Advocate, Founder and Director of SOAR Initiative Resources Mentioned: Sign the Petition to the NHL – https://chng.it/2pHGj4HH9Y

Join us for a deeply moving and powerful panel discussion hosted by She Matters and moderated by MMIWG2S+ survivor advocate Fallon Farinacci. This special episode, recorded during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025, brings together survivors, care providers, and advocates from across Turtle Island to explore the systemic barriers faced by survivors of sexual and domestic violence when accessing care and justice. Panelists share personal experiences, innovative ideas, and bold calls to action to address the gaps in access to forensic evidence collection, trauma-wise care, culturally relevant support, and legal advocacy. The conversation centers survivor voices and offers a powerful look at community-led, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed innovations to create change. Panelists Include: This Woman’s Truth: survivor and victim’s rights advocate in Canada and Italy. Asmaa Ali: award-winning registered nurse, researcher, and health equity advocate. Sarah Hope: trauma-informed care provider with over 20 years of frontline counselling experience. Keara Dean: Sexual assault survivor, counsellor, and grassroots advocate. Patti MacIntomney: Elder, legal trailblazer, and survivor advocate. Nadia George: actor, somatic trauma-informed care provider, and environmental justice advocate. Jayden Ode'imin: Anishinaabe and Southeast Asian designer, advocate, and survivor. Moderator: Fallon Farinacci, Red River Métis survivor advocate and speaker for MMIWG2S+. Topics Covered: - Barriers to accessing care in rural, remote, and northern communities - The retraumatization of survivors within healthcare and legal systems - The importance of culturally relevant, land-based, and peer-led healing practices - Innovations in survivor-led justice, including private prosecutions - Gaps in family court, police response, and mental health supports - National calls to action for advocacy and systemic reform Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, system failures, and trauma. Please listen with care. Available On: All major podcast platforms and at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel Connect with Us: Follow @SheMattersUnited on Instagram and Facebook, or get in touch at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel.

Content Warning: This episode features themes of assault perpetrated by law enforcement/authority figures, secondary trauma rooting from the reporting process, and isolation for survivors in northern and remote communities. These themes may be difficult to navigate for some listeners. As always, protect your peace.

Note: To keep the authenticity of the conversation between Jacqueline and Destiny, this episode has been released with minimal edits. Destiny did experience some technical challenges from her end at the end of our call, but her message remained so powerful throughout. 

Travelling for access to court: 4:50 - 5:00

Gaps in care for survivors in northern and remote communities: ongoing throughout the episode

Processing the immediate trauma of SA: 6:55 - 7:16

Treatment in hospital: 10:45 - 14:20

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Exam: 14:28 - 22:13

Reporting to police: 23:00 - 30:22

Sexual violence education in school: 31:12 - 34:00

Struggles with friends following disclosure of SA: 36:00 - 42:18

Appeal of conviction: 47:00 - 52:00

Cross examination: 52:58 - 54:18

Details of sexual assault and disassociation / frozen fright: 54:33 - 55:26, 1:13:18 - 1:15:14

Navigating trauma over time: 56:50 - 1:17:10

To learn more about Destiny's story, please visit the following links:  https://www.nugget.ca/2018/05/11/destiny-douglas-confronts-her-rapist-in-court 

https://globalnews.ca/news/5405424/sexual-assault-survivor-ex-toronto-cop/ 

https://www.manitoulin.com/appeal-denied/

https://www.manitoulin.com/sexual-assault-survivor-begins-her-advocacy-for-victims-rights/

https://torontosun.com/news/crime/victim-vindicated-as-her-ex-cop-rapist-loses-appeal

Life After Inspiration Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Life.after.inspire

We Rise Series: Courtney Gaudreau – From Survivor to Advocate

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Courtney Gaudreau, a survivor of sexual assault turned advocate, to explore her personal journey of navigating life post-assault. Courtney shares her deeply moving story, detailing her experiences in reporting her assault, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, and ultimately finding her voice as a powerful advocate for survivors' ability to remove publication bans. 

We discuss the emotional and legal challenges she faced while seeking justice, including her courageous decision to have her publication ban lifted so she could publicly name her abuser. Courtney sheds light on the realities many survivors face when interacting with the justice system and opens up about the reforms she hopes will create a more just and compassionate experience for future survivors.

Besides her advocacy work, Courtney is a co-organizer of the Voices Against Violence Rally, an event dedicated to raising awareness about GBV and IPV. You can learn more about the rally, taking place on October 21st in cities across Canada, and get involved by visiting Voices Rally.

Articles referenced in this episode:

Tune in to this episode to hear Courtney’s inspirational journey and learn more about her advocacy for change in the criminal justice system.

In this episode, we are joined by Christie Paschakis. Christie is Branch Head at the Toronto Public Library, a Senior Editor with Acumen Magazine, and the Founder of Soar Initiative. Throughout this episode, we discuss forensic evidence accessibility in Canada. Christie shares the findings of her most recent article with the Acumen Magazine, "The Long & Storied History of Rape Kits". We dive into the history of sexual assault kits, and new innovations making place around the world to enhance accessibility to forensic evidence collection.

Resources:

The Long & Storied History of Rape Kits https://www.theacumengroup.org/single-post/the-long-storied-history-of-rape-kits

EEKs in London - https://library.college.police.uk/docs/appref/C909E0418

Soar Initiative - https://linktr.ee/soar_initiativecanada