Ottawa police are warning the public after a string of sexual assaults in public places.
While the force is raising the alarm, police said they believe multiple recent assaults are unconnected. Police didn’t specify how many recent reports of sexual assaults they recieved, only that there have been “several,” and some of them involved victims unknown to those who attacked them.
Most recently, on July 28, a woman pushing a child in a stroller on a pathway was assaulted by an unknown man with a knife near Truro Street and Carpenter Way, just northeast of Vanier. That investigation is ongoing.
Several other sexual assaults also remain under investigation, some of which have resulted in arrests, police said in a press release.
Staying safe when travelling alone
The police offered some tips for Ottawa residents who may plan to travel solo or in isolated areas, noting that these suggestions are not intended to imply that victims are responsible for preventing an assault.
- Choose well-lit and populated locations
- Let someone know your anticipated route or arrival time
- Contact the police when a person or situation causes concern
‘Concerning incidents,’ says deputy chief
Though some of these reported incidents involved victims who were approached or attacked by people they did not know, it is not clear whether this was the case for the Vanier woman, according to the release.
“These are concerning incidents, particularly those involving victims who reported being approached by someone they did not know,” said Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson, “We are asking members of the public to remain attentive, look out for one another and report suspicious behaviour.”
Anyone who has recently witnessed suspicious activity is encouraged to contactthe Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5944, with dashcam, doorbell, or security camera footage.
Resources
If you seek support, the following offer phone call services to those affected by sexual assault in the Ottawa region.
- Distress Centre for Ottawa and Region has multiple lines
- Distress: 613-238-3311
- Crisis: 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991, Text 343-306-5550 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: 613-562-2333
- The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa offers 24/7 confidential support at 613-234-2266
- CHEO Sexual Assault/Abuse Care Program at 613-737-7600 extension 2939
- The Ottawa Hospital Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program at 613-798-5555 extension 13770
