In Her Defence: Breach of Trust

Is it possible to truly consent to sex, if you don’t know the true identity of the person you’re having sex with? Some of the women who had sexual relationships with Robert Semenchuck struggle with a plea deal they think is too lenient, and wonder why he wasn’t charged with sexual assault. Legal experts explain consent under the law, and think about how the law could have been applied differently in this case – or in the future. Email the reporter, Jana G. Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by Birdbelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

Police sexual misconduct isn’t only a problem in Regina. Investigation shows dozens of officers around the country are accused of misusing their power – and databases – for sexual purposes, whether targeting vulnerable women and girls, random women on the street, or their own colleagues. The Crown and defence strike a plea deal in Robert Semenchuck’s case, and the women prepare to face him in person for the first time. Email the reporter, Jana G. Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by Birdbelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

Jana learns more about Robert Semenchuck’s life and history as a police officer – and about the powerful database he was using to access personal information about his victims. Police professional standards investigators prepare to make an arrest. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by BirdBelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

Dozens of women receive a mysterious phone call from police in Regina, telling them they’ve been witnesses to a crime. A meeting with police investigators leaves some victims terrified, and brings old trauma painfully back to the surface. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by Birdbelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

Officers at the Regina Police Service begin an internal investigation of one of their colleagues, and turn up a case larger and more complex than they could have imagined. Sgt. Alana Heiliger begins to identify patterns in an officer’s use of police databases, and a notebook filled with names and cryptic notations provides valuable clues. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. The show is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by Birdbelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

It was one single word that caught the attention of Kerry Benjoe, and made her question what she knew about the man she’d been seeing on-and-off for five years. What she learned would turn her life upside down, and expose a shocking web of betrayal and predation affecting hundreds of women — many of whom may not know they were victims. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com In Her Defence: Breach of Trust is a seven-part original podcast series from The Globe and Mail. In Her Defence is made by Kasia Mychajlowycz and Jana G. Pruden. Sound mixing is by Dave Crosbie, with additional recording by Amber Bracken. The show’s theme song is “Black Horses” by Birdbelly. Show art by Celeste Woods. The narration for In Her Defence is recorded at Haq Story Studio in Edmonton.

What happens when one of the “good guys” turns out to be a bad guy? A Regina police officer preyed on hundreds of vulnerable women using information from police databases. Some of those women risked it all to expose him and hold him accountable. But would the system punish one of its own? The acclaimed true crime series In Her Defence returns this fall with In Her Defence: Breach of Trust. First episode is out this September. Follow now, so you don’t miss an episode. This season’s theme song is Black Horses by BirdBelly. Show art is by Celeste Woods.

In this bonus episode, we share Jana's interview with The Decibel's Menaka Raman-Wilms. Follow The Decibel for more stories from The Globe and Mail's newsroom, delivered to you every weekday morning.

What was Amber doing when she disappeared? Police provide some new information about the rest of the phone call, and their investigation. Amber’s mother faces a serious new threat, but vows to keep fighting. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at irsss.ca. In Her Defence: 50th Street is recorded at Gabby Road Studio on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton, also known as amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, or Beaver Hills House.

The release of the voice brings out a flood of tips and suspects. Experts study the tape for clues about the voice, while police come to realize the recording doesn’t have the investigative value they once hoped. Amber’s biological brother says he knows who killed Amber. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence/#01 Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at irsss.ca In Her Defence: 50th Street is recorded at Gabby Road Studio on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton, also known as…

A notorious serial killer prompts a broad reckoning around the murder of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Amber’s family files an official complaint around how her missing persons investigation was handled, and a review of the case forces a public apology — with an unexpected twist. Questions persist about Evangeline, the last person known to have seen Amber alive. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence/#01 Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at irsss.ca. In Her…

Police decide to release the tape to the public, hoping someone will recognize the voice of the man who was with Amber when she disappeared. Amber’s remains are found in a field outside the city, close to where four other women have been found, raising the spectre of a serial killer. A raven visits. Email the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence/#01 Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at irsss.ca In Her Defence: 50th Street is recorded at Gabby Road Studio on Treaty 6 territory in…

Amber’s cousin gives us a tour of Fort Chipewyan, the northern Alberta community where Amber was raised. We learn about Amber’s life before she disappeared, and about the threats that were facing Indigenous women in Edmonton. The police investigation changes significantly after the discovery of a recorded phone call that seems to record the final moments of Amber’s life – and the voice of the man who may be her killer. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential…

Amber Tuccaro flies south to Edmonton with her baby and a new friend, and vanishes. Amber’s family doesn’t trust the police investigation, and her relatives and friends do everything they can to find her and bring attention to her case. Police find a stunning piece of evidence. E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com Learn more about this podcast at www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/inherdefence Our cover art is a painting of Amber by Lauren Crazybull. Our theme song is No Surrender by Ms.PAN!K. Episode titles were translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder. Individuals affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Support for families affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is also available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at irsss.ca In Her Defence: 50th Street is recorded at Gabby Road Studio on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton, also known as…

Do you recognize this man’s voice? Coming this fall, In Her Defence: 50th Street investigates the unsolved murder of Amber Tuccaro, who disappeared from the Edmonton area in 2010. Amber left an important clue: A haunting recording of what appear to be the final moments of her life – and the voice of the man who may be her killer. Do you have information about Amber’s murder? Contact reporter Jana Pruden at jpruden@globeandmail.com or by phone/ text at 780-265-5262 The portrait of Amber is by Lauren Crazybull. The show’s theme song is “No Surrender” by Ms.PAN!K

In this special bonus episode, our host Jana Pruden sits down with Crime Story’s Kathleen Goldhar to discuss the question, “How should we deal with women who kill their abusers?” You can listen to more incredible tales of true crime every week on Crime Story. Find them in your podcast app, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/DreYfAFB Plus, details of In Her Defence season 2 are coming soon!

Did Helen really kill Miles? A burning question remains. As Helen works toward release from prison, we think about what made Miles who he was, and consider the legacy of his violence. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Appealing a plea deal is a long-shot, but defence lawyer Mona Duckett wants to take it on. The Crown says justice has been served. The Court of Appeal considers Helen’s future. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Helen is sent to prison for the death of her husband. Around the country, people object to her sentence and the way she’s treated in court. In the isolation of prison, Helen wonders whether she’s done something wrong by accepting the deal, and has to consider what to do next. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence Email the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial. Elizabeth Sheehy’s book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Helen is interrogated by police officers who say they understand the abuse she’d been living with, and know that something had to happen for her to get free. Someone she loves has betrayed her. Her life – and the lives of her sons – are all on the line. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Wes Naslund talks about growing up with his father. Miles Naslund is reported missing, but no one seems to care he’s gone. Helen and her family live with a haunting secret. One day in 2017, almost exactly six years after Miles was reported missing, two men show up at Helen’s work. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence Email the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal

Helen Naslund speaks from prison for the first time. Helen describes how she met and married Miles, and the only time she tried to leave. Early one morning in September 2011, two gunshots crack through the house. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing domestic violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal. Our theme song is The Fighter, by Jenn Grant.

Wes Naslund gets a phone call from his brothers at the farm. Friends and family describe the domestic abuse they suspect was going on in the Naslund house. A fight at the bar leaves Miles seriously injured, and things at the farm reach a breaking point. Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefence E-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.com If you’re experiencing domestic violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca New subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal. Our theme song is The Fighter, by Jenn Grant.

The first two episodes of In Her Defence will be released on October 10th. Follow now so you don’t miss a new episode. Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant. If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca. Support journalism like this by subscribing to The Globe and Mail. Our listeners get a special discount on new subscriptions at www.globeandmail.com/podcastdeal.