World Junior Ice Hockey Championship and Sexual Violence

Wellness Within is concerned about lack of public education, preventative action and victim support to address the potential increased risk of sexual violence in our communities during the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. The lack of accountability shown in response to prior incidents of sexual violence associated with men’s hockey is alarming and demonstrates lack of willingness to address past, current and future systemic harm.  

Sexual violence results in trauma with intergenerational consequences. It is a root cause of criminalization and social exclusion in our society. The vast majority of incarcerated women have experienced sexual assault.

In response to the potential increased risk of harm, there should be increased resourcing of supports for victims and extensive public education about what sexual assault and consent really mean.

It is critical that the public know the contact number for the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program in Nova Scotia is 902-425-0122. The number is staffed 24/7. Victims can also present at their closest Emergency Department for treatment and to be connected to a SANE nurse.

Hockey and men’s sporting events are an opportunity to educate men and boys about their individual and collective responsibilities for preventing sexual violence. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Hockey Canada, Hockey Nova Scotia and individual teams must acknowledge the need for and dedicate resources to education and violence prevention.

Wellness Within is a registered non-profit organization working for reproductive justice, prison abolition, and health equity in K'jipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia).

Contact: Dr. Martha Paynter, Wellness Within Director of Research, martha.paynter@gmail.com, 9022927082 and Claire Rillie, Chair, crillie@gmail.com, 9024563807.