Suing for Silence

Suing for Silence exposes the phenomenon of lawsuits whose purpose is to silence those who disclose sexual violence, revealing the gendered underpinnings of Canadian defamation law and its chilling effect on public discourse including formal reports of sexual violence.

Suing for Silence exposes the phenomenon of lawsuits whose purpose is to silence those who disclose sexual violence, revealing the gendered underpinnings of Canadian defamation law and its chilling effect on public discourse including formal reports of sexual violence.

Mandi Gray is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent University and an anti-violence activist. She is regularly featured in Canadian media on issues pertaining to sexual violence, including in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, and Toronto Life, and on the CBC.

"Gray calls out the harsh realities that survivors of sexual assault may face upon reporting."

Matthew Behrens:
"Gray’s timely title is an important wake-up call to recognize a phenomenon that, left unchecked, could seriously impair public discourse around such a critical issue. Her rigorous work expertly combines sociological research, political analysis, legal explanation, and personal testimonies."

Julie S. Lalonde:

"This book is essential reading for survivors to make an informed decision about breaking the silence, but it’s also imperative for anyone who has ever wondered, ‘Why didn’t she speak up?’"

Elaine Coburn:

"Suing for Silence raises critical points about defamation lawsuits against people, mostly women, who publicly discuss sexual violence."

Pam Hrick, executive director and general counsel, Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF):

In a clear and accessible way, Mandi Gray sets out the legal context and the impact of the defamation litigation being used to stifle survivors, their allies, and the broader public discourse on sexual violence. Suing for Silence is an important exploration of this phenomenon, providing a foundation for further study and understanding.

Charlene Y. Senn, Canada Research Chair in Sexual Violence, University of Windsor:

Mandi Gray has produced an intriguing and original book based on strong feminist research. Suing for Silence provides a complex analysis of defamation lawsuits as backlash against accusations of sexual violence and the harms of these strategies for the individuals involved, for survivors who have yet to come forward, and for society at large.