Rise in sexual assault convictions in Montreal suggests growing trust in justice system: criminal prosecutor

Montreal saw a sharp increase in sexual violence convictions this year compared to last year, and a criminal prosecutor believes that means the system is moving in the right direction.

Prosecutor Annabelle Sheppard suggests the rise in sexual violence convictions means victims have more confidence in the system, and this could result in even more victims coming forward in the future.

“Convictions for crimes of sexual violence, whether it be pursuant to a trial or a guilty plea, have gone up from 89 in 2020 to 180 in 2021,” said Sheppard.

“It shows that there is a trust in the justice system in a period where there have been a lot of attacks.”

There were a total 13 acquittals in 2020. That number is at 10 for 2021.

Sheppard points to the Me Too movement as one of the factors for the rise in reporting of sexual violence.

“There have been an increase in numbers of people coming forward and denouncing crimes of sexual violence,” she said. “So with an increase in number, we’ve also seen an increase in convictions. So I think that played a very important role.

“Also, the movement has helped sensitize people on various levels about the realities of sexual violence.”

Quebec’s legislature unanimously adopted a bill last month creating a specialized tribunal for cases of sexual violence and domestic assault.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette said the specialized court is needed because most victims of sexual assault and domestic violence don’t report their abusers to police.

He says the bill would offer victims a more welcoming environment within the justice system and that it would support victims throughout the stages of the judicial process.

Sheppard says it’s important for victims to keep coming forward.

“When people are afraid to come forward and to launch a complaint because of sexual violence, fearing that an accused will not be held accountable, if one doesn’t come forward there’s a 100 per cent guarantee that that person will not be held accountable in the justice system,” said Sheppard. “The system is by no means perfect but it’s the only way to truly hold someone accountable for their actions.”

Credit: CITYNEWS/Pamela Pagano

Sheppard believes Quebec’s criminal justice system is moving in the right direction in how it treats accusations of sexual violence.

“It’s important to hear the negative as well because we always want to find ways to improve the system, but it’s nice sometimes to hear that there are positive numbers, there are positive experiences, and to hear good aspects from the justice system,” she said.

And while Sheppard acknowledges that more victims coming forward is good, it doesn’t change her impartiality and objectivity in a court of law – as with any case.

“I know that we put the numbers out there and it’s positive for victims but whether it be criminal prosecutors or judges, even we have to remain neutral and we need to evaluate the evidence and not be swayed by external factors,” she said.

—With files from The Canadian Press.