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An independent investigation into a Nova Scotia sexual assault case has revealed profound deficiencies in how the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) managed the complaint, which was dismissed as “unfounded” just weeks before the victim was murdered by her alleged attacker. Susan Butlin, a 58-year-old woman from Bayhead, was shot by her neighbour, Ernie Duggan, in September 2017, six weeks after her sexual assault report was rejected. The findings of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP highlight a troubling pattern of misconceptions and inadequate responses that continue to undermine the safety of victims in similar situations.
A Disturbing Case History
The events leading to Ms. Butlin’s death began on August 7, 2017, when she reported that Mr. Duggan had sexually assaulted her shortly after inviting him into her home while babysitting her grandchildren. Following a brief 15-minute phone conversation with the responding officer, her complaint was deemed unfounded. This initial dismissal was compounded by a subsequent call from Mr. Duggan’s wife to emergency services on August 21, expressing fears for Ms. Butlin’s safety, as she believed her husband was armed and threatening to kill the neighbour
