It took seven years for Léa Clermont-Dion to obtain justice. Seven long years of legal proceedings following her official complaint, in 2017, against former journalist Michel Venne.
For those who don’t know the facts, here they are.
In 2008, Léa Clermont-Dion, then aged 17, was an intern for Michel Venne, who was at the time director of theInstitut du Nouveau Monde, which he also founded. It was during thesummer school session of that year that the events incriminating him took place.
On the first occasion, Michel Venne placed his hand on Léa Clermont-Dion‘s thigh, close to her private parts, for a few seconds. It was during a cab ride, when he was sitting between her and his wife.
A few days later, the director escorted the young woman back to the apartment she was staying in for the duration of the event. This time, he touched the complainant’s genitals over her clothes, before attempting direct contact under her underwear.
Today, in 2024, the story finally ends as Michel Venne is found guilty of sexual interference and sexual assault against Léa Clermont-Dion. He will serve a six-month prison sentence.
She chose to share the news via her social networks.
“In October 2017, at the age of 27, I filed a complaint for a sexual assault that occurred when I was 17. Today, seven years after starting legal proceedings and sixteen years after the events, I can finally say that this chapter of my life is now closed. Today, the defense appeal was unanimously rejected, the accused was found guilty and will have to serve a six-month prison sentence. I feel a great sense of serenity. That I made the right choice, that I listened to my little voice despite all those attempts to silence me. I didn’t keep quiet and I persisted. From now on, I’m turning the page on this sad story that has a happy ending, once and for all. Thank you to those close to me who were there right to the end, to the valiant Me Michel Bérubé and to Sophie Sheedy. I’m also thinking of Daniel Raymond, the investigator who left too [early], who was the first to believe me, and who was a guide for me through all this. I’m thinking of you, Dan“, she wrote, finally able to turn the page in relief.
It’s a great victory for Léa Clermont-Dion, but also a message of hope for all victims who denounce their attacker, since they can see that justice is possible.