Sexual assaults are a major problem in Port Alberni.
According to the Vital Signs report released last month, we have a sexual assault rate of 115.5 per 100,000 people, which is more than double the provincial average of 56.2.
Alberni Community and Women’s Services executive director Ellen Frood says while the majority of sexual assaults are not reported, more cases are being reported lately due to the wide array of protective services available through ACAWS.
She estimates her office sees 102 cases per year, which will be recognized in next month’s purple ribbon campaign on Stamp Avenue.