On Campus

Student group to file complaint against MB judge

Justice Dewar spared rapist jail time because victim sent signals that ‘sex was in the air’

The Canadian Federation of Students says it will file a complaint against Manitoba judge Robert Dewar over his handling of a sexual assault case. Dewar spared convicted rapist Kenneth Rhodes jail time and commented that the victim had sent signals that “sex was in the air” and further commented on the fact that the woman had been wearing a tube top, high heels and lots of makeup.

Related:Falsies don’t mean yes

While the Crown was seeking a three-year jail term for Rhodes, the judge handed down a two-year conditional sentence, arguing that “Not all guilty people are morally culpable to the same level.” On Thursday afternoon, student and community activists rallied outside the Manitoba Law Courts building, chanting “Yes means yes and no means no,” while demanding Dewar resign his post, the Winnipeg Free Press reported.

The Canadian Judicial Council has received several complaints against Dewar. CFS-Manitoba chair Alanna Makinson said the organization will be filing its own complaint. “These statements by Judge Dewar are reinforcing the myth of implied consent and the myth that the victim of sexual assault is ultimately responsible for their own victimization,” she said.

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