Coverage of hockey players’ trial could retraumatize survivors, says P.E.I. advocate [Video]

A P.E.I. advocate says news stories about the ongoing trial of five former Canadian world junior hockey players can deeply affect survivors of sexual violence, but there are resources on the Island to help those who need support.

The trial has drawn national attention, involving five men charged with sexually assaulting a woman in June 2018. All five have pleaded not guilty.

The woman’s identity is protected under a publication ban; she is being referred to in court as E.M.

This week, graphic details of sexual assault and violence have emerged and lawyers have been cross-examining the complainant.

Sarah Dennis is a program manager with the RISE Program on P.E.I., which supports people aged 16 and older in exploring their legal rights around sexual assault, intimate partner violence and sexual harassment. She says news stories like this can reopen old wounds for survivors.

“It can bring up a lot of traumatic memories, maybe about the assault itself. But then also, we have to consider …