The Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) is a centralized unit that services the entire Niagara Region. The SAU works closely with its community partners: the Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Program (SADV), the Niagara Regional Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA), the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), and Victim Services Niagara. This unit was formed in 1996 as a result of Justice Campbell’s Report and is made up of 5 detectives including a supervisor.

Mandate:

The SAU investigates crimes of a sexual nature against persons over the age of 16 years at the time the incident is reported, and which occurred in the Niagara Region. The SAU also investigates all historical allegations that are alleged to have occurred in the Niagara Region. Members of the SAU are highly trained in the area of Sexual Assault investigations, Interviewing, Major Case Management, and Search Warrants.

If you have been the victim of a sexual assault and wish to report it to the police, we would encourage you to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111. If you are over the age of 16 years and have been the victim of a sexual assault but do not wish to involve the police, we would encourage you to contact either CARSA or SADV and speak with a counsellor there (see their contact information listed below).

Partners with the SAU:

The SAU maintains a working relationship with the following community agencies who also deal with victims of sexual assault:

Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Program (SADV)

Niagara Regional Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA)

Victim Services Niagara (VSN)

Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) - Contact by telephone

St. Catharines (905) 685-2671 or Welland (905) 735-4326

Centre de Sante Communautaire – Program Combatting Violence Against Women and Sexual Assault - Offers Francophone Services

 

See the following link to a guide for sexual assault survivors: 

Survivors Guide

 

Magnifying Glass with the NRPS logo and caption For Further Investigation

For further information on the Sexual Assault Unit you can contact the SAU Supervisor at (905) 688-4111 Ext. 1025110.