Anna Matas
banner
anna-matas.bsky.social
Anna Matas
@anna-matas.bsky.social
Litigator at St. Lawrence Barristers (@stlbarristers.bsky.social). Former Chair @SchliferClinic Board. Specialist in tort + admin law (in particular re: sexual misconduct & health regulation).
https://www.stlbarristers.ca/anna-matas
IG: @anna_matas_law
Let me know if you hear any of these myths in the closing submissions of defence counsel. 7/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
The judge cannot rely on E.M.'s post-assault conduct in her credibility assessment of E.M., or to infer that E.M. consented to the sexual acts that took place. 6/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
But to judge a complainant based on post-assault conduct is an error of law. 5/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Among other things, the Defence has also suggested E.M. should have left the room where the assault was taking place & she should have blocked McLeod immediately on social media & not corresponded with him. 4/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
That this myth and stereotype continues to interfere with criminal trials has been evident in the cross-examination of the complainant, E.M. 3/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Myth #1 is that real victims of sexual assault will always avoid the perpetrator, or otherwise change their usual behaviour after an assault. 2/7

#HockeyCanada #WorldJuniors #VAW
June 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM