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11 |Friday December 15, 2017 | OAKVILLE BEAVER |www.insidehalton.com N egative an d positive co m m en ts continued from p.10 survivors to provide information on approximately when they reported to Halton police, if they choose; it' s a voluntary question," she said. The report delivered by Moscato at the police services board meeting -- attended by Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner and the two deputy chiefs -- included several positive comments from victims about their interaction with investigators but twice as many negative remarks. "LOVED IT !!!! It got me out of that situation, made me feel a lot better AND it got me in touch with an officer who got an award for 20 years exemplary service, who I've been in touch with ever since," was one of the positive comments. "The responding officer (a detective) came by days after to the survivor' s house when they were in the neighbourhood and said they were thinking of her," was another bit of happy commentary. "... this was a very traumatic experience but with her (officer) support and guidance I was able to move forward with criminal charges and a court hearing strong and empowered," said another respondent. Then there were the survey' s other negative responses: · "The officer at the hospital was cold and rude." · "(The officer said) `it' s Christmas time and you're single'. (the) suggestion was that I would simply be happy to get anyone." · "My experience with the Milton police was honestly so heartbreaking." · "That opened my eyes to make me realize that they didn't care about my case at all; it' s just another small part of their day." · "(The officer asked) did you verbally say `no' or `stop'? Did they hurt you or leave any marks to show you were forced? Were you drinking or using drugs? If you didn't say no, is it possible they thought you consented?" The report noted there was "a noticeable absence of any comments from survivors about referrals from police personnel afterward to victim services and other support agencies." In response to the feedback from sex assault victims, the report said Halton police is providing additional training beyond the usual to officers with its Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit on the psychobiology of trauma and the effects on sex assault victims with input from expert Dr. Lori Haskell. Halton police is in the final stages of developing an information guide for victims of sexual assault. It will contain referral information and is intended to act as a resource for victims prior to meeting with police. Moscato said victim input will be accepted on an ongoing basis as part of a commitment "to ensuring the voices of survivors are heard." For story, see http://bit.ly/2CdkEVy G IV E T H E G IF T O F HEALTH YMCA membership and personal training gift certificates available now! ym caofoakville.org Design for life. The all new Generation 6000 appliances provides endless com binations o f cooking m ethods, ultim ate perform ance and sta te-o f-th e -art user controls featuring MTouch. You w ill have endless com binations to FIT your active and healthy lifestyle. miele.ca Miele M ie le A N D B A K IN G LAUNDRY DISHWASHERS c o f f e e m a c h in e s FRIGERA V IS A it * * A p p l ia n c e C e n t r e GAS & ELECTR IC APPLIAN CE SP EC IA LISTS Miele Chartered Agency 476 Kerr Street (just south of Speers Road) 905-845-2933 · www.oakvilleappliance.com