Lessons from Ghomeshi

Nineteen months after the Jian Ghomeshi sexualassault saga exploded, it has ended not with the bang of another trial, but with the comparative whimper of an apology.

For some — especially many women — that will leave a sour taste. Seeing Ghomeshi acquitted of charges of assault against him in March, followed by Wednesday’s deal to avoid a second trial, might seem like a letdown.

It should not be seen that way. Even before Wednesday, the case had sparked an unprecedented national conversation on sexual assault and violence against women more generally. Last week’s outcome underlined those lessons.

And Ghomeshi does not walk away unscathed. He has gone from media powerhouse to pariah. At the same time, much good has come out of this saga. There is a movement away from victim blaming and shaming. Despite the not-guilty verdicts in Ghomeshi’s case, many have spoken out at protests and on social media to say they believe the alleged victims. A recent national poll found that when it comes to assigning blame in sexual-assault cases, 73 per cent blamed the perpetrator, while only two per cent blamed the victim. At the same time, more victims are coming forward to identify themselves, refusing to be shamed into silence or to hide behind publication bans.

Finally, the saga has been an eye-opener for any employer who feels that a staff member’s star status takes precedence over the rights of other employees to feel safe, respected and secure.

This is all huge progress in a difficult and divisive area — regardless of the legal outcome for one man.

Toronto Star