Sexual assault is a major issue in Ontario. According to a 2014 Statistics Canada report, Ontario has the highest rate of reported sexual assaults in Canada, but only about five per cent of sexual assault cases are reported. The report also noted that sexual assault has the only victimization rate that is not decreasing, but instead remains stable. Overall, between 2010-2016, the the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received 15,688 reports of sexual assault.
Now, the OPP is changing the way it deals with sexual assault.
The Victim Response Support Strategy was created after the OPP Sexual Assault Data Classification and Investigative Review found that some cases are not being sufficiently dealt with. The audit, which was conducted in February 2017, reviewed closed sexual assault cases between 2010-2016; 5,322 unfounded cases were reviewed. Although the audit found that 65 per cent of cases were dealt with correctly, the classifications used on 35 per cent of the cases should have been done differently.
Twelve cases were reopened due to the findings of this review.
The Victim Response Support Strategy includes the creation of a Victim Response Support Unit, which will have regional leads and research analysts to assist in guiding and consulting on sexual assault investigations.
Officers will receive enhanced training to improve the response to sexual assault cases. Training will be updated annually to maintain the best practises and most up-to-date information.
The new strategy aims to do more to support victims of sexual assault. Victim Response and Support Liaisons will be hired and the OPP will work with community partners to offer support.
A working group is being established to improve the classifications of sexual assault, as that was an issue found in the audit. Regional Collaborative Review Committees and a Provincial Stakeholder Governance Committee will be created to collaborate with partners and give oversight to the new strategy.
Photo courtesy of the Ontario Provincial Police.