Reporting sexual assault just got easier

By Bernard De Vaal

The Windsor Police Service is offering victims of sexual assault an alternative avenue in reporting the crime.

The WPS online sexual assault reporting program will allow victims to submit a report immediately, without having to physically go into a police station or be visited by an officer.

Sgt. Steve Betteridge, public information officer for WPS, said the online system is not a substitute for emergencies in which case 911 should be called. The service should only be used to file reports on non-emergencies or past sexual assaults.

“The reason for creating the system is simple math,” said Betteridge. “The statistics indicate that nine out of 10 sexual assaults go unreported. That is a staggering number and what we want to do is empower the victim and give them more of an opportunity to report to the police.”

To spread the word of the new service, the department partnered with several public and private agencies and institutions in the community who might deal with victims to get the word out as best we can.

“We want it to go viral, if you will, that this is an option,” said Betteridge.

With the new online system, the department doesn’t expect to see the numbers of sexual assaults reported suddenly skyrocket.

“Even if we can bring that down to eight out of 10 or seven out of 10, I would deem that an incredibly successful program,” said Betteridge.

The service is not an all-in-one solution of reporting and solving cases, but Betteridge is happy that it can move things forward by having something documented.

Another part of the service the department hopes will encourage victims to come forward is that a report can submitted anonymously. The person reporting is under no obligation to speak to an investigative officer.

The service is intended for cases where no physical evidence needs to be collected, victims are out of immediate harm’s way and should have access to an email address the suspect cannot access.

Anyone older than 16 years old, whether victim, parent or guardian or the support person of the victim, can submit an online report.

Once a report has been submitted, it will be reviewed within seven days. Once it’s reviewed, a person will be emailed an official police report number. Minimal information on the incident needs to be submitted. After seven days, an investigator specially trained in sexual assault cases will come in contact with the victim for a more thorough consultation.

Incidents of sexual assaults that happened years back can still be reported. If the incident took place outside of Windsor it can still be reported as well.

The service was made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.