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+ BNEWS -POLICE PRAISE WORK OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ADVISORY COMMITTEE = theifp.ca ry Hills | Thursday, August 9 AVID LEA dlea@metroland.com A special committee created with the help of + Halton police is working to make things better for sur- vivors of sexual assault. The Halton Police Board E discussed the Sexual As- sault Advisory Committee (SAAC) of Halton during its Thursday, June 30 meet- ing. The committee was created by Halton police and several external stake- holders following a 2017 resolution by the board to lt DOW. undertake a review of how sexual assault cases are handled by Halton police. The resolution also not- ed the board would work in collaboration with local community and justice partners; to ensure Victims sexual assault are p Side a timely and digni, fied response, the best sup- port possible from the po- lice service, and that the process is comprehensive, fair and respectful. This work was ‘prompt- ed after questions arose about the number of sexual assaults Halton police clas- sified as "unfounded" in 2016. Ina report to the board, Halton Police Chief Ste- ee of a dio? of unity ag s that work directly ‘fo support survivors of sexual assault, ee: Thrive Counsel- Sexual Assault nd Violence i interventio! vices of Halton (avis, Radius Child and Yout Services, Halton Women's Place, Halton Violence Pre- Hosting an event online or in the community? Post the details for free in our calendar. AE SIN RTY, ENEMAS vention Council, Joseph Brant Hospital — Nina's Place, Ministry of the At- torney General, Halton po- lice — Victim Services Unit, and the Elizabeth Fry society of Greater Toronto. er noted the com- mittee works asa collective voice to enhance the over- response to incidents of sexual assault to ensure survivors feel empowered, supported and believed. e report noted the Halton SAAC continues to meet monthly to prioritize collaborative work wit Halton police to improve police response to survi- vors of sexual assault. reprioritized its activities and attention over the past year toward increasing community engagement as wellas training/education. In 2020, police said the ShelfGer EVERYTHING WITHIN REACH nie neighbourly company committee received fund- ing from the Halton Region Community Investment Fund to create the "Survi wide plat- form features 2 a sexual as- sault information guide, which lets survivors know what their options are with respect to reporting, the court process, and the sup- ports available to them. Tanner noted in the port that the website ‘also features an overview re- port that captures the work of the Sexual Assault Advi- sory Committee, including case review recommenda- tions and in-service train- ing for Halton police offi- cers. The website also fea- tures a confidential forum for survivors to provide feedback about their expe- rience. For more information, https://survivors- visit voices.ca. The SAAC has also de- livered training to all Hal- ton police officers in an ef- fort to increase the level of awareness and under- standing among all officers with respect to several key assault i robiology of trauma and rape myths. "The Halton Regional Police Service continues to be grateful for the engage- ment and commitment of the members of the com- mittee," said Tanner in the report to the board. “Through professional collaboration as well as the sharing of their own expe. rience and unique pers] tive, it has allowed the Hal ton Regional Police Service to greatly enhance the. sup ports for through the utilization ofa a trauma informed/victim centric response.” YOUR DREAM KITCHEN WITHOUT THE RENOVATION CUSTOM GLIDE OUT SHELVING SOLUTIONS Call for FREE Design Consultation i (289) 514-2325 | shelfgenie.com Il rights Reserved.