The assistant director of Prince Albert’s Safe Shelter for Women says more education and awareness is needed to help lower the number of sexual assaults that occur in the city.
Sherry Bates is responding to statistics discussed during Monday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting. The total sexual violations reported to and investigated by officers in 2020 was 126, which represented an increase of one-per-cent over the previous year when there were 124 incidents reported. Bates told
paNOW the numbers only reflect the incidents that are reported, adding more supports are needed to assist survivors.
“I know some of our clients are reluctant to [report] because in the past they have not been listened to or it’s a degrading, demeaning thing to discuss when you are all alone,” Bates said.