|
 |
Inuit Women and the Nunavut Justice System
Document Brief
Reports from Inuit women's groups and northern justice consultations are used to examine how women are affected by the new and evolving justice system in Nunavut -- where sexual assault rates are much higher than the national average. A new unified court structure is attempting to reverse discriminatory practices: some previous courts minimized assaults on intoxicated women and even suggested that abuse was acceptable in traditional Inuit culture. An Inuit man was sentenced to six months after indecently assaulting his daughter because he had no record and was a "competent provider." Despite important new restorative justice measures, which introduce committees and justices of the peace at the community level, there are fears women could be pressured to mediate with their abusers -- who may actually be related to a community justice officials. Using elders to counsel may also be problematic if they do not perceive violence against women as a serious problem. The report recommends media awareness campaigns and gender and cultural sensitivity training at all levels of the system.
Executive Summary | PDF Document 
|
