WHITEHORSE – A new approach in collecting and protecting evidence will ensure that victims of sexualized violence can confidentially store evidence before the case is reported to the RCMP.
The new Kits on Ice allow for DNA evidence to be collected and securely stored at the Whitehorse General Hospital for up to six months before the victim contacts the RCMP after a potential sexual assault has occurred.
“This allows victims of sexual assaults to take some time in reporting the case to the RCMP without losing evidence. This gives them time to recover from the trauma enough to remember the events,” said Department of Justice Minister Marian Horne. “I would like to thank our partners – the RCMP and Whitehorse General Hospital - for helping make this technological advance happen.”
The Sexual Assault Response Team will provide the Kits on Ice through Whitehorse General Hospital, the RCMP and the Department of Justice Victim Services – Family Violence Prevention Unit.
The Sexual Assault Response Team is an interagency team of front-line service providers created to implement a best-practice approach in response to sexual assaults in Yukon and to develop inter agency protocols.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Chris Beacom Communications, Justice (867) 393-7081 chris.beacom@gov.yk.ca |