UN women has described violence against women as one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. Yet, when survivors speak out, they are often met with legal attempts to silence them.

In the complex landscape of sexual assault allegations, a growing trend has emerged of alleged perpetrators using defamation claims to suppress survivor narratives and avoid accountability. Although defamation law serves a legitimate function in protecting reputation, its misuse, in this context, discredits survivors, deters others from speaking out, and contributes to a culture of impunity. This dissertation explores, through a combination of legal analysis and socio-legal perspectives, how defamation law can be used to silence allegations of sexual assault and reinforce power inequalities. It also considers the extent to which legal reform may be necessary to protect freedom of expression and access to justice for survivors.