Gossip, media coverage of assault criticized at women's meeting

Last Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 | 9:24 AM NT

CBC News

A lack of public detail about a sexual assault in St. John's almost two weeks ago has allowed gossip to flourish, at the expense of the woman who reported it, participants at a public meeting Tuesday night said.

'Because there's no information given out, all the gaps are being filled up by gossip,' Gwen Mercer says.
(CBC)

Police were called to a home on Circular Road on July 5 to investigate a complaint that a man had entered the home and sexually assaulted a woman living there.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, though, have refused to comment on the case and their investigation, beyond remarks last week that extra officers had been dedicated to the case.

Police, for instance, will not say whether investigators believe the attack was random or executed by someone who may have been known to the victim. No arrests have been made.

Gwen Mercer, a longtime advocate for victim's rights in St. John's, said the woman has been victimized twice as e-mails have circulated through the city about the incident.

"Because there's no information given out, all the gaps are being filled up by gossip, and that woman has to deal with that as well," Mercer said.

"I think this is unforgivable."

Barbara Wadman says the 'apparent randomness of this case' has disturbed many St. John's residents.
(CBC)

About 35 women attended the forum, which was organized by the St. John's Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.

Executive director Barbara Wadman said the centre received so many calls about the incident, it felt compelled to allow women to voice their concerns together.

"I think that the apparent randomness of this case is causing a lot of fear, and the fact that this occurred in the victim's home," she said.

Wadman said sexual assault is more common than some residents might think. Last year, she said, the centre received more than 1,500 calls.

Resident Alison Clancy said society needs to stop blaming the victim. She took aim at police advice that women should not walk alone at night, and at media coverage of the reported attack.

"There's a piece missing in the whole media coverage and in these types of discussion, and it focuses on the woman — should she not walk at night, lock her doors. And that has to change," she said.