No romance in sex assault on girl

Dear editor: Re: Quebec teacher pleads guilty in relationship with young girl: Romantic relationship between pair began when girl was just 11, Herald, A5, May 23

Sexual assault is not romantic. Molestation is not romantic. Grooming a minor for an adult’s selfish gratification is not romantic. Call it what it is: Criminal. Inappropriate. Manipulative. Controlling.

By calling such interaction “romantic” you perpetuate a dangerous stereotype: that the child “wanted” it, that the persons involved had equal power, that the child chose this relationship, that the relationship is somehow appealing and desirable.

Please don’t contribute to the problem by softening the language used to describe this crime. This was a pedophile and an assaulted child. This is not an intimate friendship, not a sweet romance. This is about fear and intimidation.

I realize the article was from The Canadian Press in Montreal, but surely you have control over the headline. Penelope Johnson

Oliver

You saved two lives yesterday and saved a family from having to experience an unspeakable tragedy. Had you not warned me, I would have killed two people yesterday.

To the two pedestrians that I almost hit, please accept my sincerest apologies. You have my word that I will pay much closer attention when behind the wheel. Mark Billesberger

Penticton