Petition Update: Injustice in Action - LECA’s Response Highlights Systemic Bias

The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) has recently issued a decision regarding my complaint against the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). In this complaint, I detailed several instances of neglect and misconduct, including a negligent investigation into my sexual assault report, mishandling of incidents involving theft, unlawful eviction, fraud, cyber abuse, and coercion into signing a peace bond. I also highlighted how these failures resulted in me facing unfounded criminal charges initiated by my ex-partner, Michael Broughton, who has weaponized the legal system to further his abuse.

 

LECA’s response? To “screen out” my complaint, citing ongoing criminal proceedings as a justification. They claim it is “not in the public interest” to investigate my allegations at this time. Instead, they suggest I resubmit my complaint after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

 

This recommendation is a thinly veiled acknowledgment that my complaint has merit. By suggesting I resubmit, LECA implicitly recognizes that my concerns are legitimate--yet they choose not to act now, leaving me without recourse while my abuser continues to exploit the system unchecked.

 

This response is unacceptable. It reinforces the systemic gender bias deeply entrenched in our legal and policing institutions. My case exemplifies how abusers manipulate legal structures to intimidate and control their victims, while law enforcement agencies fail to provide the accountability and protection that victims desperately need.

 

Women who come forward to report abuse are met with skepticism and subjected to scrutiny, while their abusers are granted undue credibility. The OPS’ handling of my case is a glaring example of this bias, where accusations against me were pursued without proper evidence or investigation. This reflects broader national trends: according to Statistics Canada, women accounted for 79% of intimate partner violence victims in 2020. Yet, protections like peace bonds are frequently misused as tools of control rather than safeguards.

 

LECA’s refusal to investigate perpetuates this cycle of injustice. By delaying action, they allow the OPS to evade accountability and send a message that victims like me are not worth protecting. This is not just my fight--it is a systemic issue that affects countless women across Canada.

 

With this petition, I am calling on the Ottawa Police Service, LECA, and other relevant authorities to:

1. Immediately drop the baseless breach of peace bond charges against me.

2. Reconsider and thoroughly investigate my complaint against the OPS.

3. Commit to systemic reforms to ensure law enforcement agencies are held accountable for biased and negligent practices.

 

We cannot allow this misuse of power to continue. By standing together, we can demand accountability, justice, and change. Sign and share this petition to amplify this critical message. Together, we can fight for a system that protects victims--not their abusers.

 

Stephanie Larocque