While the first instinct is to ignore “disturbing” fringe voices who say rape should be legalized, it’s important to spread the message that sex without consent is rape.
That’s the response from Mary Jane James, executive director of the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE), as a pro-rape group is encouraging an “international meetup,” including a location in Edmonton.
“What this sort of thing does is further diminishes the voice of people who have been through this horrific experience,” James said.
She said the most important thing is to listen and believe the one in three women and one in six men who experience sexual assault.
Only eight per cent of survivors comes forward to report their assault in the first place, she said. High-profile trials, such as the case of former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi, show that survivors have their credibility attacked. It’s difficult to have charges laid, have the charges stick and get a conviction, she said.
“Victims just say, ‘Why bother?’ Why would I put myself through that? Nothing’s going to happen to him or her anyway,” she said.
The messages put forward by pro-rape groups is, obviously, damaging to survivors as well as potential victims, she adds.
“It’s not a game – you’re playing with people’s lives here,” James said.
SACE has taken steps forward through education and while the focus is on the survivor, it’s important to respond to people trying o take attitudes backwards.
“Sex without consent is sexual assault and you can’t consent to sex if you’re drugged or if you’re drunk or if you’re otherwise unable to provide that consent,” James said.
She added most civilized people in Canada are horrified and see the group is disrespectful and harmful.
SACE will host its third annual benefit at the Chateau Lacombe Hotel, 10111 Bellamy Hill Rd. NW, on Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
This year’s theme is We Believe.
Edmonton police say they are aware of the planned gathering and are monitoring the situation.
A spokeswoman said there are special operations launched in instances where there are controversial events underway, but she could not confirm if there was a special operation in place for Saturday’s planned event.
catherine.griwkowsky@sunmedia.ca
Twitter.com/SunGriwkowskyC
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