Third-party reporting in sexual abuse cases introduced in Manitoba

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Third-party reporting in sexual abuse cases introduced in Manitoba

April 16, 2018
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[jaw_v_video clip_id=”https://vimeo.com/265059550″ height=”480″ autoplay=”” ][jaw_clear]

Third-party reporting was introduced on Monday, April 16, 2018, for survivors of sexual abuse in Manitoba.

Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba RCMP have partnered with Klinic Community Health Centre, Heart Medicine Lodge (Ka Ni Kanichihk) and Sage House (Mount Carmel Clinic) to offer survivors an additional option to report details of sexual assault anonymously.

[jaw_quote author=”Heather Stefanson” ]We appreciate that for a variety of reasons, it can be difficult for survivors to come forward[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]

By using third-party service agencies to report victims are able to access support even if they are not ready to participate in a police investigation or court proceeding.

“I want to thank the community agencies, the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP for the strong leadership being demonstrated to support sexual violence survivors,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, a long-time advocate for third-party reporting who raised the issue at a 2017 federal-provincial-territorial meeting for Canada’s status of women ministers. “It is gratifying to now see this process unfolding in Manitoba. We know that survivors of sexual violence need support in sharing their stories and having their voices heard.”

Less than five percent of individuals report sexual assaults and officials are hoping the initiative will encourage more people to report by removing some barriers. Under the new program, people who report to third parties remain anonymous. Their identities will not be disclosed to the police.

Manitoba Justice Minister, Heather Stefanson said, “While survivors will always be able to come forward to police, third-party reporting will serve as another avenue. Those who work with survivors of sexual assault, including Manitoba Justice Victim Services workers across the province, can help connect people to this option and assist with the process as needed.”