RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson issued an emotional apology to the former female employees, and the women still working in Canada’s national police force yesterday. “We hurt you. For that I am truly sorry”, Paulson said at at the televised press conference to announce a $100 million (Cdn) settlement fund.
“the fist of God will descend upon the people”
Almost 500 women were part of a class action against the force, but it is believed that as many as 1,000 will be applying for financial compensation. Since 1974, when women first began working as police officers in the iconic force, the harassment and abuse has been ongoing. And women who worked in administrative and clerical positions were subject to it as well.
Former Corporal Catherine Gallliford confided her suffering to CBC reporter Natalie Clancy in 2011. Since those revelations, hundreds of women have come forward with stories that ranged from unwanted advances, emotional abuse, to sexual assault and rape. Just 30 per cent of the plaintiffs in the case are still working for the RCMP. – READ MORE
