'Thank you and I believe you': Card drive organized for complainant in RNC cop sexual assault trial

It isn't your typical thank you, but Ashley MacDonald wants to say exactly that to the woman who filed a sexual assault complaint against an on-duty RNC constable.

So, she's organized a card drive, of sorts.

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"We kind of felt like the girl who brought this to the forefront really needed to know that people were supporting her," MacDonald told CBC's St. John's Morning Show. 

"It's one thing to go out and protest, it's another thing to actually tell her we believe her."

Const. Doug Snelgrove was found not guilty on Feb. 24 of sexually assaulting the complainant.

Throughout his trial he maintained that the sex was consensual, but agreed that it happened while he was on duty and in uniform, after bringing the 21-year-old woman home from downtown St. John's in his cruiser.

The Crown has 30 days to consider an appeal. Snelgrove, who is suspended without pay, could still face discplinary action through the RNC's public complaints commission process.

The verdict sparked fierce protests, with many people arguing there was a lack of consent, given Snelgrove's position of authority and the woman's inability to remember some of the night's events. 

"[The complainant] is having to listen to all of these people doubt her and say these horrible things about her, " said MacDonald.

"I just thought that she might need a reminder that she's done something good."

'It's tangible'

MacDonald said sending an actual thank-you card, as opposed to an email or text, takes a little bit more time, but it's worth it. 

"It's tangible, she can hold it, it's a real item ... You would give your mom a birthday card, it's an extra effort, a little something special," she said.

The response has been "amazing" so far, according to MacDonald. 

She wants people to know the complainant's lawyer has signed off on the initiative and that all cards may be read or screened to ensure no negative messages get through, since MacDonald said "the internet trolls are going to take a toll." 

MacDonald said there is a personal element to this project.

"I was assaulted myself a few years back and at the time I was very quiet about it, so I didn't get a lot of support ...  but I can imagine if I brought it to the public this way, I would have needed a lot more," she said.

"Basically, I just want to say [to her] thank you and I believe you and I support you."

People can get more information by emailing thankyounl@outlook.com.