Sex worker assaults: RNC say they have nothing to go on
An official with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has acknowledged that very little progress is being made into sensational allegations of assaults against those who work in the sex trade.
On Oct. 2, an outreach group called the Safe Harbour Outreach Project issued a "red alert" after reports of sexual assaults, including gang rape, came to light in the St. John's region.
The project, which is operated by the St. John's Status of Women Council, advised that sex workers were being taken to a hotel under the understanding that they would be meeting one man, but were greeted by anywhere from 12 to 20 men once inside the room.
Very few details have surfaced, since none of the alleged victims has lodged a complaint with police.
The victims fear they could also face charges, and are staying quiet because of the stigma associated with sex workers, advocates say.
There's also the potential that if a matter went to trial, the victim would have to testify in a public court, risking further exposure to public ridicule,
There have been suggestions that the assailants work in the construction industry, and may be from another country.
Only hearsay
The lack of progress on the issue has generated questions on social media about whether the matter is being taken seriously by police because the victims work in the sex trade.
But Const. Steve Curnew said officers cannot initiate an investigation in a situation where there are no complainants and the information available is so vague.
He said there is no timeframe, no crime scene, no suspects and no witnesses.
He said there is only hearsay.
"We have no starting point to open an investigation," said Curnew, adding that hearsay does not stand the test in a court of law.
He said the RNC has assigned an officer to work with the Safe Harbour Outreach Project, and hopes that a victim will come forward.
He stressed that police are "absolutely not" interested in prosecuting the victims, "whether they have or have not committed any crimes."
"We are interested in these assaults and finding the people and convicting these people responsible," Curnew said.
He said there are services and supports available to the victims, and "we continue to reach out in hopes that someone does come forward."
