As we continue to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we’d like to introduce you to members of our Criminal Investigations Division. These are the people who respond to Sexual Assault reports and assist Survivors of Sexual Assault in the healing process and pursuit of justice.

Meet Detective Constable Marc Belanger: Detective Constable holding sign

“My current role is a Detective with the Criminal Investigations Division. Our primary function is the investigation of all major crimes which includes Sexual Assault.

As primary investigators, our role is to meet with Survivors, obtain statements and any other evidence, assist Survivors with accessing services by making referrals to a multitude of services and to be a part of the court process with the Survivors if charges are laid. We continue to communicate with Survivors should they have any questions or concerns during the court process and this often continues even after the matter is concluded in court.

I pledge that I will continue to assist Survivors in the same way I would hope my family would be if they needed help.

I am passionate about what I do because I believe the impact in helping even just one person is profound, beyond what words can explain. I believe I am in a position that can truly have lasting effects to the healing process and the pursuit of justice for Survivors.”

We take reports of Sexual Assault very seriously. May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we are proud to support the Start by Believing campaign.

When Survivors of Sexual Assault are doubted or blamed, it decreases the likelihood that they will report the crime to Police and reach out for help. Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign designed to end the cycle of silence.

If you have experienced a Sexual Assault, you have various options for reporting the incident(s) to Police if and when you are ready to do so.

In the case of an emergency, if you are in danger or need medical assistance or if the incident just took place/the person responsible is nearby, please call 911 immediately.

If you are reporting a Sexual Assault after the fact and you do not believe that you require immediate assistance, you can call us at 705-675-9171 or you can report it online through our online reporting system.

Under the Reporting heading you will find a page dedicated to Sexual Assault reporting with additional information including a Sexual Assault Survivors Guide.