Open letter from Gilbert Rozon: his defense strengthens myths on sexual assault

In an open letter published in The pressGilbert Rozon takes the gallery to affirm that the prosecution. Consequently, brought against him in civilian has been invented from scratch by a “coalition of applicants” which would have been “formed for the sole purpose of obtaining financial compensation”. For example, No matter the outcome of the trial, these words strengthen the myth that women invent accusations of sexual assault.

In a new public speaking. Similarly, Gilbert Rozon reiterates that the civil trial of which he is the subject would be a form of “legalized extortion”.

“Since #MeToo, almost all of the prosecuted men, innocent or not, settle outside courtyards. Meanwhile, Because a simple media denunciation is enough to break a reputation. Moreover, a career, a life, “he said in his letter sent to The press.

For Gilbert open letter gilbert rozon: his Rozon, the demands have only one objective: his money.

Regardless of the judgment which will be rendered at the end of the trial. However, which will resume in August, the words of Gilbert Rozon echo a well -known discourse: the fact that women falsely accuse men of rape by bait of gain.

A widespread myth – Open letter gilbert rozon: his

The professor in the Department of Psychology. Nevertheless, Psychoeducation of the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO), Karine Baril, participated in a study on myths and prejudices about sexual assault in Quebec.

She and her colleagues have seen that some were still very present in the population. Therefore, Two categories of myths have a higher membership rate than others: to think that women lie about sexual assault. the displeasure of attackers.

For example, 64.7% of respondents over 15 years of the study completely. partially adhered to the statement open letter gilbert rozon: his that “accusations of sexual assault are often used as a way of taking revenge on men”.

Note that Professor Karine Baril acts as an expert for the demands at the origin of the prosecution against Gilbert Rozon and is therefore not expressed about the trial as such.

The very publicized trials where we “question the credibility of victims” also have the effect of fueling the belief that accusations of sexual assault are invented. according to Karine Baril.

Especially since few trials in the criminal end in a decision -making decision.

“Because there is a reasonable doubt, you might think it open letter gilbert rozon: his didn’t happen. More and more judges say they believe the victims, even if they have to pay the accused, ”she adds.

However, the data prove that the false accusations are rare. “The proportion of false allegations is 2% to 10%, but that includes all kinds of situations, such as amplified or added details. The complete lies are very rare, ”underlines the professor.

She recalls that the testimonies of the alleged victims pass through several filters before going to court. These make it even more unlikely to maintain invented allegations.

• Read also: Sexual consent: the credibility of women questioned

Consequences throughout society

The persistence of these prejudices has a concrete effect on our society. especially on the ability of the victims to recognize an assault, according to Karine Baril.

“People victims may not realize it. or the reaction of their loved ones can discourage them, that causes denunciation deadlines,” open letter gilbert rozon: his she said.

That we constantly question the credibility of the victims contributes to the fact that “[la violence à caractère sexuel]in Canada. it is the crime against the person whose prevalence does not decrease and which has the lowest denunciation rate. ”

• Read also: Alphas males, really? Science disputes the concept of male domination (in primates)

“Referendum on #MeToo”

The media have a big role to play in propagation. membership of these myths and very publicized trials like those of Gilbert Rozon are part according to Sabrina Moro, professor in the social and public communication department of UQAM.

“Trials like that of Gilbert Rozon or Johnny Depp are becoming a referendum on Metoo,” she explains.

She believes that Gilbert Rozon presents herself “as a victim of an overly zealous feminist movement and accomplices media”. These speeches are in the backlash (backlash) anti -feminists that she has observed open letter gilbert rozon: his since the denunciations of #MeToo.

The professor is not of the opinion that the company is going back, but that it certainly experiences great changes which trigger this kind of reactions.

“We are in a pivotal period. We have values that change. this backlash Testifies a conservative resistance, but also a greater acceptance of a new anti-feminist discourse in the media, “she said.

For Sabrina Moro. nothing is lost, but Quebec society has obviously “still a long way to go” when it comes to feminism.