In June 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada released an important sexual assault decision that will affect how evidence is introduced in sexual assault trials across the country.

In Canada, BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, Masochism) is a part of consensual sexual practice for some. These practices involve consensual role-playing, which might include physical restraint (like bondage), sensory deprivation (e.g., blindfolds), and corporal activities (spanking, flogging). But the line between consensual BDSM and criminal conduct can be unclear.

Building an effective defence requires a disciplined, methodical approach grounded in evidence, legal expertise, and a deep understanding of how allegations involving minors emerge and evolve. Each defence must be tailored to the specific facts, but certain strategic principles recur in nearly all cases.

Allegations of sexual offences against children are among the most grave and emotionally charged in Canadian criminal law. Courts treat these complaints with serious attention, and rightly so. Yet Canadian jurisprudence—and decades of child psychology research—acknowledge that not all allegations involving minors are accurate.

Allegations of sexual offences involving minors command exceptional attention in Canada’s courts. Yet despite their emotional weight, judges must carry out the same fundamental task that applies in all criminal proceedings: they must assess whether the Crown has proven the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Allegations of sexual offences involving children engage some of the most serious and emotionally charged matters in Canadian criminal law. For an accused person, the process is extraordinarily stressful, complex, and often bewildering.

Allegations of sexual offences involving children often extend far beyond the initial statement to police. Schools, counsellors, family physicians, child protection agencies, and mental-health professionals may become involved before or after the complaint emerges.

Credibility is often the deciding factor in Canadian sexual assault trials. I break down how courts assess credibility and reliability, using the R. v. McLeod et al. (Hockey Canada) case and leading Supreme Court rulings.

If you’re facing a sexual assault charge in Ontario, your defence may rely on introducing text messages, social media exchanges, or other evidence that includes sexual content involving the complainant.