Revelstoke RCMP warn about several sexual assaults in the city

Revelstoke RCMP is warning about several sexual assaults in the city and is issuing a plea for any information.

Police, along with the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society and other community partners, are asking victims to come forward, as right now very little is known about the apparent attacks.

“Considering the fact that about 80 per cent of sexual assaults in Canada go unreported, we know that it is happening a lot more in our community than we think,” Stephanie Melnyk of Revelstoke RCMP Victim Services said in a news release. “As a community we can’t be afraid to talk about sexual assault and to address the underlying biases and systematic dysfunctions. Once we start talking more openly, we can work together on approaches for prevention.”

Melnyk adds there are safe places for victims of violence to turn to, including RCMP victim services and the local women’s shelter.

Police are also warning the public to be careful.

“The RCMP recommend to use caution when approached or talking to strangers,” according to the news release. “The RCMP recommend to be vigilant, be mindful of your surroundings, avoid walking alone, stay in well-lit areas, tell people where you are going, and to report suspicious or unusual incidents immediately.”

RCMP say they don’t have any details on the “suspected sexual offender(s)” in the area.