The Saint John Police Force is participating in the Violence Against Women Advocate Case Review Program (VACR).
The purpose of the program is to ensure a ‘best practice’ response to sexual assault reports involving adult complainants and suspects.
As well, to improve the effectiveness of the investigative process, assist with the apprehension of offenders, provide the proper level of service and respect to sexual assault complainants, and enhance their trust in the investigative process.
During a presentation to the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners on Tuesday, VACR project lead Sunny Marriner said only five per cent of all sexual assault in Canada is reported.
“But, unfortunately, what many aren’t aware of is that upwards to 80 to 85 per cent of cases leave the system at the police level, then we see fully half of those who are charged leave the system at the crown level,” said Marriner.
Independent reviews are anticipated to begin in April and will be conducted regularly.
Marriner said the VACR team reviews all documents, which includes videos and notes.
“Some of our reviews look at child-centered cases, they tend to focus on victims that are 12 years or older, and subjects over the age of 18,” she said.
“The focus is there specifically because some of the barriers change at the time of which consent can come into the equation, and we know that some of those elements can significantly change the trajectory of a case.”
A summary of any results that “may be of particular public interest” will be shared publicly, said the police force.
