Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
File: 21-4305
Victoria, BC – Detectives with VicPD’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) are investigating after receiving numerous reports of sexualized violence associated to a downtown Victoria bar and grill.
On Sunday, January 31st, VicPD officers and staff were first alerted to a series of posts on a social network which contained reports of sexualized violence involving an employee of a downtown Victoria bar and grill. VicPD reached out to the operators of the social network page and shared information inviting those with information to come forward.
On Monday, February 1st, VicPD issued a Community Update, which was posted to our social media channels, and shared with media and community partners, inviting anyone who wishes to make a report or who has information about the reports to come forward. Those with information were invited to report through whichever form felt safe to them, whether through our non-emergency line Report Desk, or through the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre or other means. Numerous people have come forward with information.
“We have had many people come forward with information,“ SVU Detective Sgt. Jan Malinosky said. “Our Investigative Services Division team is working through this information and are connecting with these people to gather more details. This process takes time and we’re asking for patience moving forward. We are here to listen and are hoping to connect with more survivors.”
This investigation is active and ongoing. Updates will be shared as we are able.
We want survivors of sexualized violence to know that we believe you. Know that you can report an incident when, where, and how you feel most safe. There are several supports in place to assist.
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is here to help. Call their access line for service intake and information Monday-Friday 9:30-5:00 pm, at (250) 383-3232. If you’ve been sexually assaulted in the last 7 days immediate support and medical care is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week at their Sexual Assault Clinic. The best way to access the clinic services is to call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888. From there, ask to be connected with a VSAC Sexual Assault Support Worker to discuss options and accessing the clinic.
You can also report through an emergency room, a physician, a counsellor, and many other social support agencies. More information about supports can be found here: http://vicpd.ca/webelieveyou/
If you have information about these reports and have already not done so, please call our non-emergency Report Desk at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
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