Time for Accountability for Rehtaeh Parsons - My letter to the Minister of Justice Ross Landry

Dear Ross,
I write to you out of concern, frustration, and sadness over the incidents that lead up to the untimely death of Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17 year old that was taken off Life Support on Sunday evening after being raped, bullied, and cyber- bullied by schoolmates of Cole Harbour High.

My concern stems from the Crown Prosecutor’s decision to not press charges against the 4 boys who raped Rehtaeh even though a photo was circulated to other students of Cole Harbour High.  With all the technology and the ability to trace the IP addresses or MAC addresses of computers, I am puzzled that our integrated police service took so long with their investigation.  Moreover the time span during the investigation it took to interview the alleged rapists.  This is unacceptable.  Our Police Services need to address such heinous crimes in a timely manner and to conduct interviews of suspects in a timely manner!  Allowing months to go by without interviewing a suspect is absolutely unacceptable.

This brings me to my frustration; with respect to the lack of action by the High School Faculty, the Principal, and the Halifax Regional School Board Member/ School Board.  How could this type of bullying, cyber-bullying be unnoticed? Teachers are not immune to gossip and student issues.
The response from the Crown Prosecutor’s Communications person, Chris Hansen, was is just spin-doctor gibberish to deflect the genuine reality that Justice was not served.

My sadness is derived from the disappointment that Rehtaeh has perished without justice being served and that her family has been let down by the Government Agencies that are supposed to protect its citizens.  The 4 boys have gotten away with their horrific actions.  The High School has not fostered an anti-bullying program.  The Police and Justice Services have failed the citizenry of our community.

I formally request a full review of this case and that the 4 alleged rapists are brought to justice.  The Parson family have had to endure so much heartache and they need closure.   Personally, I am requesting this review for all the young women who are venerable to such crimes.  Please have your staff investigate the Todd case in British Columbia and the amendments adopted there with respect to Bullying.

Preventing another rape, bullying and subsequent death of a youth is in your hands.

Dawn Marie Sloane