Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 27/05) - Charges are pending in two suspected sex assaults and other incidents last weekend, and police say alcohol helped fuel it all.

Six separate incidents of assault were logged by the RCMP, three sexual and three common. One of the sex assaults complaints was later withdrawn. "It's a result of alcohol in the community, again," said Cpl. Merle Carpenter.

"When people talk about drug addiction they shouldn't forget about alcohol, that's the problem here."

Two sex assault victims were taken to hospital where evidence was collected.

Suspects were arrested and released in connection with both cases, said Carpenter.

Sexual assault can consist of unwanted sexual touching to full penetration, he added. Both victims and suspects are adults.

Carpenter said two sex assault complaints on the same weekend is unusual.

He said three separate fights could be considered the norm. "It's all alcohol," he said.

One incident was alleged to have occurred at a party and another at an Inuvik residence. The third complaint was from a man who came into the Inuvik detachment and said he was assaulted in Fort McPherson.

Investigations are ongoing, said Carpenter.