Ottawa, ON – Today, Burton Bailey, Conservative Member of Parliament for Red Deer, introduced Bill C-275 to bring justice for victims of sexual assault by criminalizing the creation, possession and distribution of sexual assault material.
C-275, “Melanie’s Law”, amends the Criminal Code to introduce a definition of sexual assault material that includes recordings of explicit non-consensual sexual intercourse. This change will help ensure that victims whose assaults are recorded and shared online receive justice for the additional trauma caused by the distribution of these images or videos.
“‘Melanie’s Law’ is a necessary step to protect victims of sexual assault from being re-traumatized and ensure these heinous crimes are punished to the full extent of the law,” said Bailey. “We need to ensure that these abusers are not allowed to victimize anyone ever again.”
According to an investigative report conducted by CTV News’ W5, an online network of abusers creates, shares and sells videos of sexual assaults they committed: often with partners and without their partners’ knowledge due to the administering of noxious drugs.
C-275 introduces criminal penalties for making, possessing and distributing such videos so that these abusers will be held to account.
“Melanie’s Law” is part of Conservatives’ efforts to restore safety, punish crime and support victims of sexual and intimate partner violence.