Val-d'Or abuse scandal: aboriginal women 'living in fear'

Jacqueline Michel was flanked by a dozen aboriginal women Thursday in Val-d’Or as she described the sense of fear that dominated the room.

“We fear the return of the suspended police officers. We fear reprisals. We fear for our own safety. Imagine, we’re in a group right now and we’re afraid. So what will it be like when we’re alone?”

This was Michel’s reaction to news that the Crown prosecutor will not pursue charges against the Val-d’Or police officers who faced allegations they abused aboriginal women in Val-d’Or. On Tuesday, Radio-Canada reported that the 37 complaints against Sûreté du Québec that emerged last year will not result in charges.

http://montrealgazette.com/news/val-dor-abuse-scandal-system-failed-aboriginal-women-advocate-says