Local agencies come together to support survivors of sexual crimes
The London Police Service (LPS) hosted a first-of-its-kind event to support survivors of sexual and sexually violent crimes.
But it was not just police officers taking part.
Leaders and volunteers with related agencies partnered with police to create ‘Hope Together: Supporting Survivors.’
The event ran until 6 p.m. Sunday at the Factory inside the Industrial Room.
It featured speakers from the police, the London Abused Women’s Centre and ANOVA.
Information tables outlining 10 related agencies are also set up.
“It’s so the survivors have the knowledge to know where to turn,” explained Det.-Sgt. Katherine Dann, who leads the LPS Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section.
But Dann said it is not just survivors who could benefit from the event, as family members who support victims of sexual crime could also find resources.
“People, when they are in crisis, often reach out to family and friends. So, if one person has the knowledge, and they can help that person, then I think that is one of our goals.”
This past week, Human Trafficking Awareness Day was recognized nationwide.
Two presentations that focused on its prevalence and prevention were also highlights of the speakers' agenda.
“There are a lot of people who still think that these issues don’t exist in our city,” explained Jennifer Dunn, executive director of The London Abused Women’s Centre. “So, it’s really important to talk about it and let women know there are organizations available for support.”
Dann echoed her comments as she pointed to rising cases of sexual violence.
“Child exploitation is increasing. Human trafficking happens all the time in London since we’re on the 401. And, intimate partner violence is one of the largest things that we respond to,” she said.
But through new collaborative face-to-face public initiatives, including the Hope Together event, both leaders believe the disheartening trend may ease.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion, official says
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.