A survivor advocate case review of a sample of sexual assault investigations recently took place locally, involving both city police and Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre.
This after a Globe and Mail report earlier this year found 44 per cent of the sexual assaults reported over the last 5 years were dismissed as “unfounded” by North Bay Police.
Chief Shawn Devine says it’s more than just about addressing their “unfounded” sexual assault statistics.
He says by working with partners like Amelia Rising, they’re looking to improve their response to sexual assault complaints.

He says it’s important for police to provide improved services for victims of sexual violence but also for victims of domestic violence and trauma cases too.

Devine says their goal is to ensure survivors feel safe when they speak to police, trust that police will believe them, and feel confident that those who commit violent crimes will be charged.
Amelia Rising Executive Director Brenda Quenneville says introducing this step will be beneficial learning for advocates and police, as they work toward the same goal of improving the justice system for survivors of sexual violence.

She says they have a very positive relationship with city police and the chief of police deserves a lot of credit as he also sits on their board.

Moving forward, the survivor advocate case review will take place each year.

Filed under: Amelia Rising, North Bay Police