Crimes against humanity, which also include sexual assault, have risen sharply in Rimouski over the past five years before 2021, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) ’s 2021 activity report shows.
The opening of files related to sexual assault exploded, rising to 31% during this period. Overall, the number of crimes against humanity increased from 448 to 493, equivalent to an increase of 12%.
The rise in violent events has been linked to the marked increase in denunciations, the COVID-19 pandemic and incarcerations, explains Steeve Bouillon, director of the post. MRC of Rimouski-Neigette from SQ. In a sense of confidence [que nous bâtissons avec les victimes], more attacked by people. So we can investigate and eventually make arrestsHe added.
Sophie Gasse, director general of the Bas-Saint-Laurent Crime Victims Assistance Center (CAVAC), is of the same opinion. People are increasingly aware of their rights, he says. They are better able to denounce situations, with motion #Me too.
Ms. also noticed. Gasse noted the increased number of reports of sexual assault on young people in recent years, thanks to movements on social networks.
The increase in crimes against humanity in Rimouski can be seen in the traffic on CAVAC. In the past year, the number of people who visited the organization has increased by nearly 1,000. In 2021, 4,699 people received services and in 2022, 5,588refers to Sophie Gasse.
[La pandémie] unsettled all. So people who have already had a certain weakness, when something more happens, the needs are more severehe explained.
To facilitate support for victims, a worker from CAVAC will be placed in the offices of the new SQ post, inaugurated on May 31st.
Source: Radio-Canada
