The Ironwood Project
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References

What to Expect in the Criminal Justice System

The Resource Project was developed using current trauma-informed guidance from the Ontario child advocacy centres, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and peer-reviewed research on child development and recovery following childhood sexual abuse.

Some recommendations have been adapted for clarity and readability. 

The following organizations and publications were referenced in the preparation of this information.

  • Alaggia, R. (2004). Many Ways of Telling: Expanding Conceptualizations of Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(11), 1213–1227.

  • Alaggia, R., Collin-Vézina, D., & Lateef, R. (2019). Facilitators and Barriers to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Disclosures: A Research Update (2000–2016). Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 260–283.

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (2023). Child Sexual Abuse Resources.https://protectchildren.ca

  • Department of Justice Canada. (2015). Child Victims and Witnesses: Testimonial Aids and Special Provisions.https://www.justice.gc.ca

  • Department of Justice Canada. (2024). Victims of Crime.https://www.justice.gc.ca

  • Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General. (2024). Crown Prosecution Manual – Sexual Offences and Offences Against Children.https://www.ontario.ca/page/crown-prosecution-manual

  • Statistics Canada. (2024). Criminal court outcomes in cases of sexual assault, 2015 to 2019 (Juristat). Catalogue no. 85-002-X.

  • Statistics Canada. (2025). General Social Survey on Canadians' Safety (Victimization). Catalogue no. 85-002-X.

  • Statistics Canada. (2024). Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2023. Catalogue no. 85-002-X.
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