Statement: Anova Responds to Sloka Trial Verdict
STATEMENT – Anova Responds to Sloka Trial Verdict
April 28th, 2026
We are reminded once again that justice for sexual assault survivors is not found in the courtroom. On Friday April 24, 2026, former neurologist Jeffrey Sloka– who had initially been charged with sexual assault against 70 different patients– was acquitted of all charges. The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region has done an incredible job in supporting survivors throughout this lengthy and devastating trial, and we stand with them in the fight for justice for all survivors.
The criminal legal system is often called the “justice system”, but we know that justice does not live there. We know that, even in cases that do end in a guilty verdict, survivors are left with more trauma than they started with. From their initial police reports through the investigation, testimony, cross examination, and verdict, survivors are flayed open, picked apart, shamed, and humiliated. These women trusted their doctor, and were blamed for that faith.
This trial is yet another example that the legal system was not designed to serve survivors of sexual assault; it was designed to protect the accused. Sloka, who lost his medical license in 2019, was referred to as “Dr.” throughout the trial. His testimony was believed, whereas the judge found that all of his survivors– 48 by the time the trial ended– lacked credibility and reliability. This is enraging.
The system fails survivors and fails society. It is long past time to look elsewhere for justice and healing, and to consider what that could mean for survivors everywhere. This doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel; Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island and beyond have long histories of healing circles and community care, and there is much to learn from their wisdom. There are also scholars, activists, and survivors who have invited us into conversations about the possibilities of transformative and/or restorative justice options in cases of sexual violence. We invite others in our sector to join us in continuing those conversations, and imagining what true justice could look like as we advocate for needed systems change.
To survivors: we believe you, we are here for you, and no judgement will ever change that. Whether you have been impacted by this decision or by your own experiences of sexual violence, there is a sexual assault centre in your community who is here to support you. You do not have to prove yourself to us, we believe you and we’re here to help.
Anova 24/7 Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-265-1576
Media Contact:
Jessie Rodger or Allison Preyde
Anova: A Future Without Violence
jessier@anovafuture.org | allisonp@anovafuture.org
www.anovafuture.org
Download the PDF of this statement here.