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Low Sexual Assault Charge Rate In Halifax Disturbing: Justice Minister

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 May, 2016 12:41 PM

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's justice minister says she's disturbed by police statistics that show only 22 per cent of sexual assault cases in Halifax have led to charges over the last five years.

Diana Whalen says her department is currently looking at how Nova Scotia compares to other provinces in dealing with sexual assault cases.

Whalen says the goal is to find ways to help people feel safe and supported enough to come forward with their cases.

While not specific about possible steps, Whalen didn't rule out the possibility of looking at a sexual assault court, adding that other specialty courts have already been established for domestic violence, mental health and drug addiction.

Whalen said how people dealing with sexual assault are treated in conventional courts has been a concern of hers over her years in public life.

The statistics released by Halifax Regional Police show 73 per cent of sexual assaults reported from 2010 to 2015 were closed while another five per cent of cases remain open.

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