WATERLOO -- Ontario NDP MPP Catherine Fife is standing with survivors and the Kitchener-Waterloo community following today’s verdict in one of the largest sexual assault cases in the province’s history.
“This is an incredibly difficult day for so many people in our community,” said Fife. “For the survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones, even if you are not directly connected to today’s verdict, please know that your community believes you and is here to support you. Everything you are feeling right now is justified, your shock, your disbelief, your anger.”
Dozens of women came forward in this case, with 48 charges proceeding to trial over four and a half years.
“This is why women don’t report,” Fife said. “These survivors did everything that was asked of them. They came forward, they told their stories, and they waited years to be heard. Today, they left the courthouse knowing that they were not believed. That is beyond devastating.”
“Waiting four years for a decision like this is unacceptable. That kind of delay takes a real toll on survivors, their families, and the entire community. It shakes people’s faith in a system that is supposed to protect them.”
Fife said the case shows the dire need for stronger accountability and supports through measures like Lydia’s Law.
“We cannot keep asking survivors to come forward without fixing the system around them. Lydia’s Law is about accountability, transparency, and making sure survivors have access to support from day one. Our community deserves better than this.”