Rape culture: personal stories prompt creation of task force

Municipal politicians across B.C. have voted to form a task force seeking ways to end what is described as a rape culture in this country.

The resolution was supported by two Cariboo Regional District directors who both revealed they were raped as teens.

Joan Sorley and Margo Wagner spoke about their experiences before hundreds of local politicians at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver Thursday.

Sorley says whe was raped as a 14-year-old while babysitting.

"I've spent the last 50 years, probably, being ashamed of this without really realizing that's what I was feeling," Sorley said. "No one ever told me it wasn't my fault."

Wagner told the audience that she didn't report her rape 43 years ago and wouldn't report it if she were raped today because there is no "easy way" to get justice.

After her speech, the 62-year-old said it was incredibly hard to speak publicly about her assault, adding she had been stopped countless times in the convention centre lobby or bathroom by women who recounted being raped, too.

The resolution also wants the task force to examine ways to improve reporting, arrest and convictions rates for sexual assaults.

Delegates agree that a culture that excuses or tolerates sexual violence has seeped into schools, universities and workplaces across the country.

(The Canadian Press)