Lee-Ann Siu
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Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)
Being awarded a U of T PBSC Donner Fellowship has given me the unique and important opportunity to pilot a Sexual Assault Court Watch Program with the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC), a grassroots Toronto organization that promotes the right of women and children to live free from violence and the threat of violence.
Court watch programs, common in the United States (Mothers Against Drunk Driving and WATCH are two high-profile examples), are an effective way to advocate for victims of crime. These programs increase the accountability of the judiciary because of the presence of volunteers in the courtroom and the conclusions that are reported and publicized, based on observation of court proceedings.
In the first phase of my project, I have developed a volunteer training manual and court watching survey tool, both which can be used by METRAC for future court watch projects. Eleven volunteers have been recruited, screened, and trained on criminal law topics, the legal system, and myths and stereotypes that surround the crime of sexual assault. I have also met with court personnel including Victim/Witness Assistance Program managers and introduced the program to the Crown Attorney's Office.
In the second phase of the Sexual Assault Court Watch Program, volunteers (including myself) are monitoring sexual assault trials and other court proceedings in Toronto. We are now experiencing first-hand several disconcerting realities about the criminal justice system. While frequent trial adjournments and delays make the monitoring process frustrating, volunteers are most appalled by the many biases and stereotypes that affect court proceedings. They remain enthusiastic about the program, however, hopeful that their efforts will mean a better, fairer day in court for sexual assault survivors.
