Last night media coverage informed the public that the RCMP’s top recruiter in B.C expects female officers to have ‘inner strength’ to endure sexual harassment and that the RCMP are denying Catherine Galliford’s allegations of sexual harassment.

This is an appalling backlash to the courageous testimonies of women officers who came forward and spoke up about sexual harassment against them.

The message to women is “don’t you dare complain about sexual harassment”. The RCMP want women to suck it up and shut up. Otherwise, you will be trashed and accused of lying or being mentally ill. 

Women officers should not be expected to endure sexual harassment while serving in the police force. Rather, male police officers should be removed from the RCMP when exhibiting sexist behavior. 

The RCMP, the state agent who is supposed to protect women, is clearly not taking on nor fighting sexual harassment seriously. 

Women who are experiencing male violence cannot and do not trust that system to protect them from sexist male violence.  

Hilla Kerner,

for the Collective of Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter

Superintendent says ‘inner strength’ is key to enduring sexual harassment. By Lori Culbert, Vancouver Sun – July 17, 2012

Mounties deny female officer’s harassment claims, point to alcohol abuse. By James Keller, Vancouver — The Canadian Press –  July 17, 2012

Statement by Vancouver Rape Relief on BC RCMP Officer Posing in Violent Pornographic Images Reminiscent of the Pickton Murders – July 5, 2012