Government to seek to find systemic issues with handling of sexual assault cases

Press Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is pleased that police forces in New Brunswick have ordered a review of files on reported sexual assault cases that had been cleared as unfounded from 2010 to 2014.

Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry has also requested that all police forces involved submit their findings to the government to help it identify what must be done to ensure every reported sexual assault is thoroughly and appropriately investigated.

“As a society, we need to ensure we are doing everything in our power to stop sexual violence. I was pleased to see police forces announce that they would conduct these reviews,” said Landry. “In light of recent findings, our goal as the provincial government will be to identify any systemic issues with regards to the handling of sexual assault cases in New Brunswick so we can address them effectively.”

Premier Brian Gallant, who is also the minister responsible for Women’s Equality, has said this is a serious situation that will be addressed. Landry also echoed the concerns of the federal public safety minister on the matter.

“It is vital that victims of sexual violence have trust and confidence in law enforcement and that their protection and safety is of the utmost importance,” said Landry. “I have thanked the police chiefs for their initiative, and I have also asked them to report to me on the findings of these reviews with their analysis. Once we have these results in hand, we will be better able to identify what must be done to satisfy ourselves that every reported sexual assault is treated appropriately.

“Similar reviews are taking place across the country, with municipal police forces and the RCMP. We will discuss the findings in New Brunswick and other jurisdictions with our federal, provincial and territorial colleagues so we address any local or provincial issues appropriately but also identify and effectively address systemic issues that are common across the province or the country.”

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for justice and public safety have directed the creation of a new national committee on access to justice for complainants in sexual assault matters.

In 2015, the government launched the Love Shouldn’t Hurt campaign as part of a comprehensive approach to reduce intimate partner violence in New Brunswick. The campaign, launched by the Roundtable on Crime and Public Safety, involves community agencies, the police, the private sector, academia, First Nations groups, municipal and federal governments, and several provincial departments collaborating on improvements to crime prevention policy and practice in the province. More information on intimate partner violence, including resources for victims and where to find help, is available online.

In addition, Gallant recently introduced the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act, to provide victims with additional tools to increase their safety while they seek more permanent solutions. It will allow victims to apply to a designated official for an emergency order, without notice to the respondent, to obtain remedies to respond to their circumstances.

Media Contact(s)

Elaine Bell, communications,
Department of Justice and Public Safety, 506-453-8607.

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