I think a big piece is information. Everyone approaches navigating the legal system a little differently. I'm very Type A, so I wanted to have every single piece of information I could possibly have. The problem was that it's all very piecemeal. Trying to understand the complexities of what a conditional discharge is versus a conviction, with all the terminology that comes at you, is really challenging. I think starting off with language as a basis could be really helpful. I don't know if a glossary of terms could be provided to victims or victim services workers. Just understanding the language of the legal system is really hard.
English is my first language. I reported in Ontario. If I was a francophone in Ontario, I don't know that I would have had the same access. If I was an immigrant to Canada and English was my third or fourth language, I truly do not know how it would be possible. I had a good experience compared with that of most people, and I thought even that experience would destroy me, but I'm here today.
As to the publication ban, the amendments that could be made for the use of publication bans are just one marginal change. It's one piece that I think I can be helpful on, but there are so many other issues, like paying for court transcripts. It cost me $500 to get my transcript. Paying for therapy is nearly $6,000 and counting.
Crown attorneys were too busy to speak with me after the conclusion of my case. They'll speak to you before, but after there's a guilty plea and a sentence, they have other things to do. Advocates who actually know the correct information are critical. My victim services person told me that my publication ban was automatic and it was something that happens to every single case, but that's not true.
Finally, the freedom of information requests with the police resulted in nothing. Everything was redacted.
There are few resources that are easy to navigate. For example, I didn't know there was such a thing as sexual assault and domestic violence leave in Ontario. I found out on Twitter that I could take it to show up to court.
If you are someone who does not have benefits through your employment, who faces systemic burdens or who feels that the police won't take you seriously, these are systemic issues. Victims are not adequately supported.