Statistics show out of every 100 incidents of sexual assault, only six are reported to the police.
Dianne Crowell, coordinator at Sexual Assault Services Lunenburg-Queens says that’s often out of fear of not being believed.
She says when the person being accused is someone in a position of power it can be even harder.
Crowell says if there’s anything positive to come from charges recently laid against Bridgewater’s police chief, that’s it.
“That it gives women, or anyone who experiences sexual violence, that they can come forward and hopefully the system will work for them.”
Crowell worked frequently with Police Chief John Collyer while building SASLQ.
She says learning of the charges on Thursday was a dark day for the community.
Crowell says believing accusers is important so incidents can be fully investigated.
Chief John Collyer was charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a 17-year-old girl earlier this week.
Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Collyer is due in Bridgewater Provincial court June 14.
