London Police to pilot new Sexual Assault Case Review model

LONDON, ON (December 11, 2017) – The London Police Service is one of four services in Ontario to pilot the implementation of the ‘Philadelphia Model’ for reviewing sexual assault investigations, it announced today.

“We are looking forward to implementing this model as we believe it is one more way to continue to develop best practices and evidenced-based, trauma-informed investigations to provide an improved response and more support for victims of sexual violence,” said Chief John Pare. “We are very pleased to be part of this pilot project.”

The Philadelphia Model is a collaborative review process that allows outside experts to review sexual assault files to ensure the investigation was thorough and properly classified.

“We support having a review model that will enable outside, expert review to ensure cases are properly and thoroughly investigated, and will provide oversight and accountability,” said Chief Pare.

“The Advisory Committee is very excited and reassured about this collaborative opportunity and the commitment from the London Police,” said Jane McGregor, Anova’s Director of Community Programs and lead of the London Case Review Advisory committee.

“Our goal is to create a system where all survivors who chose to report feel supported. We are hopeful that case review will help to identify trends and gaps so barriers can be addressed.”

It is expected that the selection of the members of the review committee will be finalized by mid-January 2018 and that the first reviews will be done in early 2018.

For additional information about the pilot project, visit the Status of Women Canada website for the announcement news release at: https://www.canada.ca/en/status-women/news/2017/12/new_funding_aimstoimprovetrackingandreportingofsexualassaultsino.html

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For more information contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough

Media Relations Officer

T. 519-661-5410

C. 519-854-8576

mediaofficer@police.london.ca

Jane McGregor

Director of Community Programs, Anova

519-642-3003 ext. 5551

janem@anovafuture.org