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Verdict Day – July 24th 2025

Join us in solidarity on Verdict Day (July 24th)

As the verdict in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial is delivered, individuals and organizations across the country are joining together to say: #WeBelieveSurvivors.

We invite you to join us in public solidarity for EM, who courageously testified in court; for the countless others who could not come forward; and for all survivors who are watching this moment unfold while carrying their own experiences of violence. See information about our in person events below. 

No matter the verdict, we support and believe survivors.
Let’s create space online, in the community, and in our institutions to show survivors that they are not alone.

How to Take Part on Verdict Day — or Any Day a Survivor Needs You

Practice Community Care

Check in with the people in your life and ask what they need. Support might involve sending a gentle message, dropping off a coffee, offering quiet company, or not talking at all.
 Hold space without expectations.

Be Prepared for Disclosures:
Visit our guide on Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence.

Respect Boundaries

Some survivors may not want to discuss the trial or sexual violence. That’s okay. Survivors do not owe anyone education or explanations. Commit to learning on your own and challenging myths in your circles.

Join the National #WeBelieveSurvivors Campaign

On the day of the verdict — and every day — show your support:

Online Actions

  • Post a message of support using the hashtags #WeBelieveSurvivors or #IBelieveSurvivors
  • Take a selfie with a sign: “I believe survivors because…”
  • Repost graphics, resources, and healing tools from our resource page

Community Care Events

  • Host a “Self-Care Craft-ernoon” where people can gather, make art, and be in community without pressure
  • Screen a film, hold a quiet space, or simply open your doors for drop-in care

Join or Host an In-Person Action 

  • Attend a local rally, march, or courthouse gathering
  • Join a public vigil, speak-out, or community circle
  • Light a candle or place signs of support outside your office or building

Why It Matters

This trial has not been just about one incident, it reflects larger systems of rape culture, institutional silence, and the impossibly high standards placed on survivors in court.

Let’s make sure the public narrative doesn’t stop at the verdict.
Let’s flood our communities with messages of love, support, and accountability.

We believe survivors.
We believe EM.
We believe in building a world where survivors are supported in courtrooms, classrooms, locker rooms, and everywhere.

After Verdict Day…

After this years verdict day, remember that we will continue to stand with survivors each and every day.

We Believe Survivors Day
Beginning on May 2nd 2026, Anova will mark We Believe Survivors Day on May 2nd each year as part of our annual #WeBelieveSurvivors campaign. This day of recognition falls in May, alongside Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and honours the date that survivor EM took the stand in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial in May 2025.

Keep an eye out for next year’s #WeBelieveSurvivorsDay as we continue to raise our voices and say, together: We Believe Survivors.

See below the information for London’s 2025 Verdict Day Rally!