Suing for Silence

Sexual Violence and Defamation Law

Mandi Gray

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English

University of British Columbia Press
01 March 2024

Sexual abuse & harassment; Gender studies, gender groups; Gender & the law; Defamation law (slander & libel)

Series: Law and Society

Suing for Silence is a groundbreaking examination of how men accused of sexual violence use defamation lawsuits as a weapon to silence those who attempt to hold them accountable.

As Mandi Gray demonstrates, Canadian defamation law helps perpetuate the myth that false allegations of sexual violence are common. Gray draws on media reports, courtroom observations, and interviews with silence breakers, activists, and lawyers to examine the societal and individual implications of so-called liar lawsuits. She argues that their purpose is not to achieve justice but to intimidate, silence, and drain the resources of those who speak out against sexual violence and even report their own assaults – and to discourage others from doing the same.

This meticulous work reveals the gendered underpinnings of Canadian defamation law, which has long protected men’s reputations at the expense of women’s sexual autonomy. Sexual violence discourse must have adequate protection if it is to be heard.

By: Mandi Gray
Imprint: University of British Columbia Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 270g
ISBN: 9780774869171
ISBN 10: 0774869178
Series: Law and Society
Pages: 180
Publication Date: 01 March 2024
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface Introduction 1 A Civil Law Primer 2 The Gender of Reputation 3 Sick and Silenced 4 Campus Sexual Violence 5 Is Anti-SLAPP Legislation the Answer? Conclusion Notes; Selected Bibliography; Index

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.

Reviews for Suing for Silence: Sexual Violence and Defamation Law

"""Suing for Silence raises critical points about defamation lawsuits against people, mostly women, who publicly discuss sexual violence."" -- Elaine Coburn * Literary Review of Canada * ""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?’"" -- Julie S. Lalonde * Herizons Magazine * ""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."" -- Matthew Behrens * Quill & Quire *"