The number of sexual assault cases surfacing in the news as of late is increasingly alarming.
It hardly qualifies as an isolated incident when stories are emerging in papers across the province of women being sexually assaulted almost weekly.
These recent assaults range from being attacked on a university campus to being improperly touched on public transit.
From the Vancouver SkyTrain incident that went viral in early March, to the recent assault charge laid against a man on the UBC campus, it is apparent that women must take extra precaution.
As a student of criminal justice, and as a young, concerned female, I strongly urge woman and parents of Vancouver Island and throughout B.C. to be acutely aware of these injustices.
Sexual assault in Canada is a serious, indictable offence and is prosecuted accordingly. Please know that there are services available, such as The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, who are committed to ensuring the safety of women and may be contacted at any time.
It is vital that precaution is taken around this time while walking alone in places such as college campuses or local parks at night. Please let someone know where you’re going, and always have your cellphone nearby.
Report any sexual assault to law enforcement immediately. If you are a victim, there is no shame.
Kelsey Camosun
Victoria