Halifax rally in support of sexual assault survivors draws nearly 200

A demonstration in support of the sexual assault complainants in the Jian Ghomeshi trial brought close to 200 people out to the Nova Scotia Provincial Court on Spring Garden Road on Friday afternoon.

The rally was organized by theMount Saint Vincent UniversityFeministCollective whose members arecondemningthe former CBC host'sacquittal on charges of sexual assault and one charge of choking.In his ruling, Judge WilliamHorkinssaidthe three complainants provided "deceptive testimony," saying that there were serious deficiencies in their evidencethat significantlydamaged their credibility and reliability.

• Ghomeshi acquittal disappointing, says N.S. sexual assault support centre

Charlotte Kiddell, president of the MSVU Feminist Collective, says the demonstration was held outside the courthouseto show thatthe system isfailing survivors of sexual assault.

"We are here to show our criminal justice system is not working and that we need alternative justice forsurvivors," said Kiddell.

She said the group wants to see legislative change, and cited work to passa Nova Scotia private members bill that would introducenew rules on howcampuseshandle sexual assaults.

The Fridaydemonstration wasin solidarity with others that have been happening across Canada to support survivors of sexual violence.Kiddellsaidnot enough people arebelieved when they bring forward complaints ofsexual assault.

Demonstrators carried signs that read"Stop Victim Blaming" and used sidewalk chalk to spell out "#WeBelieveSurvivors."

A few people took to the steps of the courthouse to talk about their personal experiences with sexual assault. There was a chant in support ofLucy DeCoutere, one of the three complainants in the Ghomeshi case:"We love you, Lucy. We believe you."