Posted at 1:00 p.m.
Witch hunt
Like Carole, I am a feminist. I am 72 years old, I was part of a group of women at the origin of the Centers for the assistance of victims of sexual assault. I was also denounced in the pulpit for my remarks in favor of abortion. But to qualify as “courageous” an anonymous denunciation on social networks is beyond me. It’s witch hunting, period!
Danielle Bourque, Quebec
Talk and educate
Very, very interesting. This is the other side of the mountain. Social networks can lead to this kind of slippage. Now what do we do? It is necessary to talk about it. You have to educate. This problem will get worse, we are only at the beginning.
Nathalie Vachon
Better world
Expressing discomfort, listening to each other, debating respectfully and accepting nuances are surely more effective ways to make the world a better place.
Chantal Frechette
Suffering of victims
Really shocking that a media like The Press continues to show the alleged attackers as victims. You take the time to explain their suffering and that of their family, why not talk about the suffering of their victims?!
Chloe de la Chevrotiere
Courage
I was uncomfortable with this type of denunciation, but I had trouble identifying it concretely. Your text opened my eyes. It puts things into perspective. My opinion is now clear, if we decide to denounce, it’s a good thing, and this, regardless of the means, in my humble opinion. I admire the strength of these people and we must let them speak out through whatever means suits them. But you have to go all the way, assume your choice, show courage (despite the fact that yes, just denouncing, it already takes unimaginable strength) and identify yourself. Everyone has the right to know the facts of which they are accused, by whom and to defend themselves. Even an executioner. Because yes, unfortunately, there are false accusations, there are wrongly given sentences.
Amelie Desmarais-Bertrand
far west
Not only should the Wild West era of returning to social media end, but gratuitous public accusations should not be without consequences.
Yves Roy
More anonymity
It is essential and urgent that the anonymity of whistleblowers be lifted. It is unhealthy and hypocritical to be ashamed of what one denounces. People have to be forced to identify themselves, if only to the police.
Francine Davis
rational tags
Since the start of the #metoo movement, I’ve been telling myself that this witch hunt doesn’t make sense! Yes to denunciation, but in practical terms. If justice does not do its job, then, let’s denounce justice! Let’s denounce the shortcomings of a system that does not defend the victims! Doing justice to oneself is understandable from an emotional point of view, of course… But haven’t we evolved as a society because we have put in place rational markers (laws, rules, justice)?
Vickie Desforges
Nuance and representativeness
Some student associations, including UQAM student associations, are already not particularly known for being nuanced when it comes to whistleblowing and discrimination. And to what extent do they really represent all students rather than a small handful of ideological activists?
Rene Rochon, Bromont
Adequate defense
I read the text quoted in subject this morning and I feel a great discomfort on this way of denouncing any form of crime against the person in an anonymous way, without explanations. It can be a way of getting revenge on someone who has nothing to do with regrettable sexual acts. One can maliciously harm a person because one is angry with him by having him crucified in the public square. Moreover, the real crimes are mixed with false accusations, which risks discrediting the real assaults. It is high time to set up a court specializing in sexual and domestic violence to protect the victims, provide them with all the services to which they are entitled and, at the same time, give the accused the right to ensure their defense in the dignity. I am a feminist, and I have at heart to disentangle the true from the false and to render justice in the rules of the art. Everyone has the right to explain themselves, to have a full and complete defence. It is time to set the record straight, to take steps to improve the entire judicial process to promote victims’ confidence in the courts while preserving the right of the presumed guilty to be adequately defended.
Line Gregoire, Thetford Mines