News release

Independent Review of Rehtaeh Parsons Case Released

Justice

Government will take additional action to strengthen policies and procedures to help victims of sexual assault and cyberbullying.

Minister of Justice Diana Whalen was presented with an independent review today, Oct. 8, of the actions of police and the Public Prosecution Service in response to the Rehtaeh Parsons case.

"Today's young people are dealing with very difficult issues and too many families have experienced things that no family should have to go through," said Ms. Whalen. "This report outlines specific recommendations as a result of one family's tragedy.

"But these changes and the ones we've already made, will help us better support all families and individuals who need it."

Murray Segal, a former chief prosecutor and deputy attorney general of Ontario, was asked to look specifically at the Rehtaeh Parsons case and whether the systems, policies and procedures related to cyberbullying, child pornography and sexual assault were followed and adequate.

He was also asked to look at whether the time it took to conduct the police investigation was appropriate, whether advice offered by the Crown was appropriate and followed the policies and guidelines of the Public Prosecution Service, whether those guidelines and policies are appropriate, and whether the roles of the Public Prosecution Service and police were understood and respected.

Mr. Segal makes 17 recommendations for government, the police, and the Public Prosecution Service. These recommendations outline improvements to policies and procedures and actions relating to cyberbullying, sexual violence, investigations, prosecutions, and the roles and responsibilities of government, schools, police and the Public Prosecution Service.

"I'm taking these recommendations very seriously and I know my partners in government, law enforcement and the Public Prosecution Service will too," said Ms. Whalen. "I am committed to working with them to address these recommendations and the issues and concerns outlined in the report."

Significant changes to start addressing the issues of cyberbullying, sexual violence and consent have been made over the last several years. Government has introduced a new sexual violence strategy, created new legislation to protect Nova Scotians being cyberbullied and successfully lobbied the federal government to change the criminal code.

To read the report, visit www.novascotia.ca/segalreport .