Local agencies come together to support survivors of sexual crimes
![Katherine Dann - London - Feb 2024 Det. Sgt. Katherine Dann is seen on Feb. 25, 2024. Dann leads the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section of the London Police Service. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/25/katherine-dann---london---feb-2024-1-6782986-1708890445595.jpeg)
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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
A fast-moving wildfire has hit Jasper, Alberta, destroying buildings and chasing some wildland firefighters away with dangerously poor air quality.
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.