In case you need to be reminded, sexual assault is a crime.
Based on the increasing number of incidents that have appeared on the Barrhead Provincial Courthouse docket in recent weeks, we at the Barrhead Leader felt it was important to address what is a sensitive topic.
Barrhead FCSS and Victim Services, which operates in conjunction with the local RCMP, have support staff trained to deal with these types of situations.
In the next few weeks, the Leader will be speaking with Heidi Magus and Sgt. Bob Dodds about this issue and will be publishing articles related to local services that are available.
To be fair, when such a crime occurs, many victims do not come forward because they are embarrassed or ashamed.
While it is acknowledged, we at the Leader believe this can have a negative impact on other aspects of ones life.
A recent study done by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) shows some sad statistics, especially considering the country we live in.
According to the provincial support organization, one in three girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 18.
Worse yet is the fact that in 82 per cent of all sexual assault cases, the victim knew their perpetrator and only three per cent of such crimes are ever actually reported to the police.
In addition, research suggests that 10 to 20 per cent of all males will experience some form of sexual abuse or assault at some point in their lives.
Unfortunately, the way our culture exists, males who are victimized in this way are twice as likely to not speak of it and will bear the burden in silence.
The point is whether you are a woman, a man or a child, and you are victimized by someone you know, someone you look up to or by a stranger, you should try to talk to somebody about it.
If you are a victim of such a crime, maybe you don’t know who to turn to or who to trust but realize you aren’t alone and there are people out there who want to help.
