The Sloka trial was one of the largest sexual assault cases in Waterloo Region’s history, involving close to 70 women and, at its peak, more than 70 charges. By the end, Sloka was being prosecuted for the sexual assaults of 48 women, following pre-trial rulings and dismissals. This was a long, arduous journey for many women and their families.

It’s been 10 years since complaints first came into the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). In 2018, police began an investigation. In 2019, CPSO stripped him of his licence, finding that he had sexually abused multiple patients. The trial stretched from 2021 to 2025. Then, on April 24th, 2026, the Justice Craig Parry read the verdict in this case. 
 
Dismissing the experiences of 48 women, and the testimony of two expert witnesses in this case, Justice Parry acquitted Sloka of all charges.  

The verdict in the Sloka trial is deeply upsetting for survivors in our community, and everyone who cares for them. This ruling has brought up a range of emotions including anger, grief, despair, confusion, and disbelief. 

The judge’s ruling was an absolute denial of what survivors experienced and a reflection of a system that was incapable of holding the harm they brought forward.  
 
Let’s be clear. This verdict does not erase that the harm that occurred, and it does not mean that the accused is innocent.  
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Sloka case timeline

Our full statement on the verdict

​The truth is that our criminal justice system often fails survivors of sexual violence. Only 6% of survivors report to police. Of the cases brought forward to police, only about 10% lead to conviction. Survivors are asked to navigate complex, lengthy, and re-traumatizing processes with the odds being that the outcome will not reflect their experiences.  

Survivors deserve better than a system that requires exceptional resilience to be heard, and that so often falls short of meaningful accountability.  
 
The public outrage after this ruling has been deafening. This outrage matters. It signals that something is wrong but, on its own, it doesn’t change the verdict. The legal system is designed to be insulated from public pressure in individual cases. 

The most effective responses tend to: 

• Challenge the decision legally (appeal)  
• Shift the system around it (advocacy, reform, and public discourse)  

Ultimately, the Appeal and Review Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will decide if an appeal will be made in the R. vs. Sloka Verdict. Generally, the Crown has 30 days to appeal, but that timeframe may be extended for a case of this magnitude. We do not yet know if the Appeal and Review Branch will choose to move forward with an appeal. 
 
Below is a list of actions you can consider as an individual or an organization in response to this verdict.  

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File a Judicial Conduct Complaint

Concerns about a judge’s conduct can be directed to the Ontario Judicial Council. This may include showing bias, lack of impartiality, or inappropriate comments. 

What to include: 

• Your name and contact information  

• The judge’s name (Justice Craig Parry)  

• A clear description of the concern you have 
   

Mail to: 
Ontario Judicial Council 
1 Queen Street East, Box 65 
Toronto, ON M5C 2W5 ​

Reach Out to The Attorney General

Write the provincial and federal Attorney General and be clear you’re concerned about the outcome of the R. vs. Sloka case, and what it signals to survivors. 

• The Honourable Doug Downey – [email protected] (provincial) 
  

• The Honourable Sean Fraser - [email protected] (federal)
  

Contact Elected Officials to Push for Change

Elected officials influence laws, funding, and system accountability. 

Ask for: 

• Legal reform. A good place to start would be this 2025 report entitled Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence from the Office of the Federal Omsbudsperson for Victims of Crime. 

• Stronger accountability in the justice system, such as what Lydia’s Law is pushing for.  
  • ​See also: Lydia's Law Caucus Package

• Sustainable investment in Ontario’s community-based sexual assault centres supporting survivors and advocating for systemic change.
   

Federal Representatives in Waterloo Region (MPs) 

• Bardish Chagger – [email protected]  

• Kelly DeRidder – [email protected]  

• Tim Louis – [email protected]  

• Matt Strauss – [email protected]  

• Connie Cody – [email protected]  

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Provincial Representatives in Waterloo Region (MPPs) 

• Catherine Fife – [email protected]  

• Aislinn Clancy – [email protected]  

• Mike Harris – [email protected]  

• Jess Dixon – [email protected]  

• Brian Riddell – [email protected] ​

​Use Your Voice Strategically

Public advocacy can shift understanding and build pressure for change. 
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You can: 

• Write op-eds or public statements  

• Use social media to raise awareness  

• Amplify the voices of survivors and the feminist, community-based organizations doing gender-based violence work. Share and like their posts. 

Push for Concrete Reform

Channel concern into specific demands: 

• Support Lydia’s Law  

• Fund Sexual Violence Legal Advocacy Programs at community-based Sexual Assault Centres across Ontario 

• Strengthen trauma-informed practices and accountability in the justice system 

• Push for investment in restorative justice options for survivors of sexual violence. Learn more here. 

​Invest in Prevention, Public Education, and Upstream Change

If we want different outcomes, we must build a different system. That starts long before someone enters a courtroom. Preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors requires sustained, upstream investment in: 

• Consent and healthy relationships education for youth  

• Engaging men and boys in preventing harm  

• Workplace and institutional training on gender-based violence  

• Challenging harmful myths about survivors and accountability  

Community-based sexual assaults centres in Ontario (like SASC) are already doing this work every day, but demand far exceeds capacity. 

You can act by: 

• Bringing public education workshops into your workplace, school, or organization  

• Encouraging institutions you’re part of to invest in training and prevention  

• Supporting funding for dedicated public education roles and programs  

• Recognizing that prevention is not optional. It’s essential! 
   

Learn more, book training, or access tools: www.edu.sascwr.org 

​Know Your Rights in Healthcare Settings

In any healthcare setting, you have the right to: 

• Bodily autonomy and informed consent. Nothing should happen without your clear, voluntary agreement 
  

• Ask questions and receive clear explanations about any exam, procedure, or treatment  
  

• Know what is medically necessary and why  
  

• Set boundaries or stop a procedure at any time  
  

• Request a support person be present  
  

• Seek a second opinion or alternative provider  
  

• File a complaint with a regulatory body if something feels wrong  ​
  

​Act Locally to Support Survivors

One of the most immediate ways to make a difference is to support our work at SASC.

Since 1989, we’ve been working in Waterloo Region to support survivors and advocate for prevention, social change, and justice reform. You can get involved by volunteering, donating, attending our events and fundraisers, sharing our resources, amplifying our mission, and more. 

Upcoming events:

• Rising Voices: A Collaborative Storytelling Project is a Responding to Disclosure workshop paired with survivor storytelling. Join us to strengthen community understanding of trauma, healing, and justice, and empower survivors of gender-based violence to share their stories. 
• Our annual Rosie the Riveter Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser. Join as an individual or as a team with friends, family, or coworkers.​​

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Questions can be sent to [email protected].

You are not alone.

​Call (519) 741-8633 to access our 24-Hour Support Line.
You can also text (519) 741-8633 or use the chat function on this website to access support between 8:00 AM and midnight, 7-days a week.

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