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7 | Friday, F ebruary 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | w w w .insideH A LT O N .com SAVIS responds to `unfounded' sexual assault rate in Halton by Kathryn Boyle Metroland West Media According to a 20-month Globe and Mail investigation into police-reported sexual assault complaints, Halton stands at a 30 per cent `unfounded' rate; meaning 30 per cent of the allegations boil down to the crime "was neither attempted nor occurred." Upon these findings, the Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS) released a statement as to why the inconsistencies may be occurring. According to the news report, unfounding occurs when the victim of sexual assault sits down with an officer for a short interview and no investigation ensues. When these types of cases are dismissed so quickly, "it is a sign of deeper flaws in the investigative process; inadequate training for police, dated interviewing techniques that do not take into account the effect that trauma can have on memory, and the persistence of rape myths among law-enforcement officials," SAVIS notes in its report. "SAVIS has always had a good relationship with the police," said its executive director Alma Arguello. "Having said that, now we're rebuilding our relationship with the sexual assault unit." False allegations of sexual assault are not common. What is common is survivors and victims not being believed or supported when they divulge their experiences and for the victim to know the offender. It is also common for sexual cases to most often scrutinize survivors and victims, their actions, and their reputability as witnesses. "There's obviously an issue, otherwise I wouldn't have a wait list of victim sexual assault and sexual violence happening in Halton," Arguello said. "To what extent? I don't have the liberty to say, but there have been some issues where the victims have felt unheard and they're not being taken seriously and not being believed." According to Arguello, assistance is needed when it comes to sexual violence. "We have a lot of work to do," she said. "If you get raped in Acton, you have to walk into an emergency room, say you need a rape kit, and go to Burlington. You get put in a cab. There has to be a better way. There has to be more awareness about sexual assault, sexual violence and sexual exploitation." SAVIS believes police have an important role in supporting victims of crime. SAVIS met with the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Feb. 9 to discuss ways of bringing down the unfounded rate in Halton. That includes training officers on trauma interviewing and keeping victims feeling supported during the difficult time. In response to the news article, Halton police will begin reviewing unfounded cases from 2010 through 2016. "We pride ourselves in being victim-centred, and ensuring we support all victims of crime, and that priority can never be higher than in the case of sexual assault offences," said Sgt. Barry Malciw SAVIS is the only sexual assault centre in all of Halton and having a relationship with the police would be extremely beneficial, Arguello said. "All of us in our community have a responsibility, and it doesn't just fall to the police and it doesn't just fall to SAVIS," Arguello said. "We all have a responsibility to be able to provide a space for survivors of sexual violence to feel safe." Arguello saidgetting the awareness out is of high importance. "Sexual assault and sexual violence has no ethnicity and has no boundaries," Arguello said. "Our kids need to be educated." If you are dealing with sexual violence, SAVIS encourages you to call its office at 905-825-3622 or the 24-hour crisis line at 905-875-1555. 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