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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and, as first responders, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) recognizes that reporting a sexual assault can be extremely difficult. The decision to report to police is entirely up to the victim. Our website provides a high-level overview about the reporting experience to help take away some of the unknowns and help the person who is reporting feel more prepared. We understand the importance of a victim’s experience and support them through our victim-centred and trauma-informed approach.
The Sexual Assault Investigation Team (SAIT) is a unit within the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division. SAIT investigates adult and child sexual assaults and child physical abuse in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The team of investigators are all trained, qualified specialists in this field. In recent years, the team has focused on training, education and strengthening relationships with partner agencies to improve the overall response to sexual assault investigations.
HRP’s Victim Services Unit provides valuable support to SAIT. The team of civilian staff and volunteers are dedicated to supporting victims of crime by offering emotional support, providing information about investigations and setting up referrals to other agencies. Team members help to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment where a victim of sexualized violence is listened to and supported so they can make informed decisions and access appropriate services and supports. Anyone who is a victim of crime can seek support of our Victim Services Unit – a police report does not need to be filed. Contact them directly at 490-5300, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information about this unit visit https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/programs-services/victim-services-halifax.
If you’ve been a victim of sexualized violence, it’s not your fault. We’re here to help.
