A proposed lawsuit alleges that Toronto’s entertainment district is unsafe for young women, with some major nightclub operators contributing to the issue.
In a recent development, Mark Holland, a club promoter in Toronto, was convicted of sexual assault in 2022, following charges dating back to 2017. Despite this conviction, Holland is facing three new sexual assault charges from July while still active in Toronto’s club scene.
The latest charges have sparked an emotional response from women who have experienced sexual violence in the city’s club district. One survivor, identified as M.H., expressed dismay at seeing Holland still active and called for changes in the justice system to protect women.
Several women are seeking to file a class action lawsuit against prominent club operators, accusing them of continuing to engage with known offenders. Kathryn Marshall of Marshall Law is assisting the women in preparing the lawsuit, highlighting the concerning practice of clubs associating with convicted individuals while serving vulnerable patrons.
The push for accountability in the industry stems from the belief that nightclubs can be breeding grounds for assault due to the presence of alcohol and vulnerable individuals. The survivors advocating for change emphasize the need for a system that prioritizes victim protection and imposes stricter measures on repeat offenders.
Efforts to reach Mark Holland’s lawyer for comment were unsuccessful. While one company expected to be implicated in the lawsuit did not respond to inquiries, another stated that Holland has no affiliation with their establishments.
Kathryn Marshall points out that club promoters often operate independently from the venues, complicating oversight and accountability. The lawsuit aims to introduce more regulations and seek financial compensation for the victims involved.