{Updated 13 April 2012}
I am incensed. I hope you are too. The story of Rehtaeh Parsons and her death because of the two years of online humiliation following her 2011 rape at the tender age of 15. Her attackers videotaped the incident, then shared the incident. I claim no expertise on Canadian law, nor that of the province of Nova Scotia, but I find myself asking “What the hell is the prosecutors in Nova Scotia waiting for?” Rehtaeh Parsons is not the first child to die of bullycide, I’ve written about many (BurgessCT Bullying) deaths fully attributable to the bullying inflicted by individuals and the peer-crowd on a child. Deep introspection needs to take place within the community, education system, justice department and parent groups as the death of this child highlights the shortcomings.
CNC News reported: RCMP confirm they investigated the allegations and consulted with the Crown, and it was determined there was not enough evidence to proceed.”We have to deal in facts and not rumours,” said RCMP Cpl. Scott MacRae. “We may not be able to go down certain roads because of the tragic circumstance. I feel like the door is always open for people to talk to a police agency.” The family said they were told the photographs were not a criminal issue even though Rehtaeh was underage.
Though the crown found insufficient evidence, the Anonymous group, an entity many consider scofflaws in their own right, offered up the following demands to the NS RCMP: Anonymous has confirmed the identities of two of the four alleged rapists. We are currently confirming a third and it is only a matter of time before the fourth is identified as well. Our demands are simple: We want the N.S. RCMP to take immediate legal action against the individuals in question. We encourage you to act fast. If we were able to locate these boys within 2 hours, it will not be long before someone else finds them.
{updated portion} On Friday, 12 April 2013, RCMP Nova Scotia released a statement which said, due to information which only recently was made available, they have opted to re-open the investigation into the sexual assault of Rehtaeh Parsons and the subsequent harassment/bullying. (see below for full text and link).
Glen Canning, Rehtaeh Parsons father said to the Justice Minister of Nova Scotia: To the Justice Minister of Nova Scotia: Rehtaeh Parsons thought the worst outcome for her case would be no charges against the men who raped her but we all know better. The worst thing that could happen would be charges. That they would be found guilty, and that Rehtaeh would sit on a court bench and listen in utter disbelief as they were given parole, or a suspended sentence, or community service. All for completely destroying her life while they laughed. Why is it they didn’t just think they would get away with it; they knew they would get away with it. They took photos of it. They posted it on their Facebook walls. They emailed it to God knows who. They shared it with the world as if it was a funny animation.
I agree with the parents of Rehtaeh Parsons, their daughter’s case lacked import to the law enforcement entities. Wonder how the Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister, Ross Landry would feel about the issue if it was his son or daughter in the photo and not Rehtaeh Parsons? So now that we have a child dead, the Nova Scotia provincial government goes into damage control and cover your ass mode, read on:
April 9: Justice Minister Ross Landry said today, April 9, he has asked senior government officials to present options, as soon as possible, to review the Rehtaeh Parsons case. “This situation is tragic, I am deeply saddened – as I think are all Nova Scotians – by the death of this young woman,” said Mr. Landry. “As a parent, I can’t imagine the pain this family is going through at this time. My thoughts are with them.” Mr. Landry said he hopes to meet with Leah Parsons, Rehtaeh’s mother, to discuss her experience with the justice system. “I know that law enforcement and the public prosecution service do their best, every day, to administer and enforce the law,” said Mr. Landry. “It’s important that Nova Scotians have faith in the justice system and I am committed to exploring the mechanisms that exist to review the actions of all relevant authorities to ensure the system is always working to the best of its ability, in pursuit of justice.” Mr. Landry said he has been reviewing details of the case and consulting with officials throughout the day, and expects options within the next few days.
April 10: Ramona Jennex, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, today, April 10, asked Halifax Regional School Board to review its response in the Rehtaeh Parsons case. “This is a heartbreaking situation and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” Ms. Jennex said. “If there are gaps in the education system that need to be addressed and fixed to ensure more families in the province don’t have to go through the same horrific tragedy as the Parsons family, we will do whatever we can to close those gaps as quickly as possible,” said Ms. Jennex. Ms. Jennex met with the Halifax board chair and superintendent today to begin the review process. She has asked department staff for options on how the province can review Ms. Parsons’s experience in the school system. Justice Minister Ross Landry has also asked senior officials for options to review how police and the Public Prosecution Service handled the case. “Earlier today, I met with a loving and brave family,” said Mr. Landry. “They shared with me the details of the events that led to this terrible tragedy. The family and I agree that the distribution of photos online is very concerning and must be addressed.” The province has also offered the school board more support services, including counselling and mental health services. “Across government and in our communities, we need to take a long, hard look at this devastating tragedy and make sure we’re responding to the needs of Nova Scotia’s children and youth,” said Ms. Jennex. “Young people need to know where they can turn for help, and we all have a role to play in raising our youth to be responsible and respectful of each other.” Nova Scotians of all ages should not have to worry about getting access to the services they may need. Everyone can access emergency mental health services by calling the mental health crisis line at 1-888-429-8167. Staff at the crisis line will be able to offer some help on the phone. They can direct the person to the emergency room and let the hospital know they are coming, or direct the person to the emergency services they need in their community if they do not need the ER. People can also access services by calling 211, 811, or by visiting an emergency room or family doctor.
April 11: Premier Darrell Dexter, today, April 11, asked Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, to co-ordinate Nova Scotia’s response to the tragic events that led to the death of Rehtaeh Parsons. “The past few days have shocked, horrified and saddened all of us,” said Premier Dexter. “I want the Parsons family to know that they have my support. They are in my thoughts and prayers. I, along with thousands of Nova Scotians and Canadians, stand behind them at this difficult time.” The province asked Halifax Regional School Board to review its response to the case. Justice Minister Ross Landry has also asked senior officials for options to review how police and the Public Prosecution Service handled the case. “Government is prepared to look at everything to ensure that no family has to go through this same tragedy,” said Premier Dexter. “It is time to look for answers and it is a time that we as parents, government, and society, do all we can to ensure this tragic situation does not repeat itself.” Ms. More will be supported by Lynn Hartwell, associate deputy minister of the Department of Community Services. Ms. Hartwell will work with senior officials across government and provincial leaders in mental health, sexual assault, policing and education to identify options for system-wide improvements. “Nova Scotia will learn from this terrible tragedy,” said Ms. More. “Right now, it is a time to care and be kind to one another. Nova Scotians have pulled together in tragic times in the past, and they are doing so now.”We will honour Rehtaeh’s life by supporting each other more effectively in the future. Govenment is committing to a better co-ordinated system of supports and services.” “I want to thank Nova Scotians for supporting Rehtaeh’s family, for respecting their privacy and their wish to not fight bullying with bullying,” said Premier Dexter. “They are in our hearts and minds as we build a plan forward and help each other through this.” Nova Scotians who are experiencing traumatic events are encouraged to access mental health services as quickly as possible. People can access emergency mental health services by calling the mental health crisis line at 1-888-429-8167. Staff will be able to offer some help on the phone and can direct people to the emergency room and let the hospital know they are coming. They can also direct people to the emergency services they need in their community, if they do not need the ER. People can also access services by calling 211, 811, or by visiting an emergency room or family doctor.
April 12: Nova Scotians mourning the loss of Rehtaeh Parsons can express condolences and send sympathies to her family through an online page at www.novascotia.ca/condolences. Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, is co-ordinating Nova Scotia’s response to the tragic events that led to the death of Ms. Parsons.”The Parsons family are in our thoughts and prayers and I know all of Nova Scotia stands behind them at this difficult time,” said Ms. More. “This is a time to care and be kind to one another.” The province will collect the messages and prepare a book of condolences for the family.
April 13: RCMP and Halifax Regional Police – In light of new and credible information that has recently been brought forward to police, HRM Partners in Policing are reopening the investigation involving Rehtaeh Parsons. An investigative team from the Criminal Investigation Division, comprised of both RCMP and Halifax Regional Police officers, has been assigned to review this new information as it relates to the totality of this file. This information did not come from an on-line source. The person providing the information is willing to verify who they are, the reason they’re providing it and is willing to work with police as part of the investigation. We continue to ask people with specific information about this incident to report it to police or Crime Stoppers. Though police reports cannot be accepted through social media, tips can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip – Tip 202 + your message to 274637. On behalf of the family, we again ask that both the media and public respect their request for privacy at this difficult time. Our thoughts remain with Rehteah’s family and other loved ones. {updated 13 April}
If you want to make your thoughts known to the Nova Scotia government their media people are:
Nova Scotia Government Media Contacts:
Chad Lucas
Education and Early Childhood Development
Cell: 902-478-7302
E-mail: LUCASCGA@gov.ns.ca
Megan Tonet
Department of Justice
Cell: 902-237-0449
E-mail: Tonetme@gov.ns.ca
Jennifer Stewart
Premier’s Office
902-424-0007
Cell: 902-497-7198
E-mail: stewarjl@gov.ns.ca
Elizabeth MacDonald
902-424-4844
Cell: 902-717-0580
E-mail: macdoea@gov.ns.ca
Cpl. Scott MacRae
Media Relations
Halifax District RCMP
Cell: (902) 488-2830
scott.macrae@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
They appear sincere in their condolences, they are also in the spot-light. On Sunday, 14 April 2013 – there is a social media led protest being organized, called Justice for Rehtaeh which will occur at 12-noon, at the RCMP Offices in Halifax – 1975 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS. You may wish to attend to lend your voice.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Rehtaeh Parsons, her family and the people of Nova Scotia who expected better from their community, their public servants and their elected officials.