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Mother recounts sexual assault

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 06, 2007

Inuvik - An Inuvik woman is sounding the alarm after she was sexually assaulted in her home last month.

The woman, who does not wish to be identified, was awakened in the night by a man touching her.

NNSL photo

Sarah Smith works at the Inuvik victim services office. She said there are options for people who are victims of sexual abuse. An unidentified woman was recently the victim of sexual abuse and wants people to know they don't have to be silent. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The stranger entered the apartment through unlocked doors and the woman wants others to know about a possible danger to the community.

While her newborn slept, the woman woke to a man who was removing her shirt.

"He had already had my shirt up when I woke up," she said. "I yelled at him and he ran out of the apartment."

She wants other women to be aware of the man.

"It's important that women know that actions like this won't be tolerated," she said.

The woman is concerned that the man might act again, this time on someone else.

"He came in unannounced and he was not welcome," she said.

The mother of one said she was laying with her child in front of her when she was attacked.

"I didn't have my door locked, which was my mistake," she said.

The woman said she was able to see the man and got a description of what he looked like.

"He was about five-foot six-inches, with dirty blonde hair," she said.

"He was clean shaved and was wearing a golf shirt."

After calling the police, the woman was told that they would look for the man.

"The police told me that they would keep an eye out for him and that I should tell them if I saw him again," she said.

A member of the Inuvik RCMP confirmed that the detachment has been contacted about the incident.

The woman wants other people in town to come forward with any information about the man.

"If you know anyone who fits the description, please call the police," she said.

She advises that people take steps to protect themselves as well, by keeping doors locked and having someone ready to call.

"Be aware of what you're doing and always keep the doors locked when you're alone," she said.

Sarah Smith works with the Inuvik victim's services program. She said that her office is always available to help those who need it.

"People come to us for assistance in many ways," said Smith.

She said the victims services office acts as a liaison between the victim and the courts and sometimes the police.

"If someone was a victim of sexual assault, they might see us before seeing the police," she said.

"It's important to get the police involved, so we work with both groups for a solution."

The Inuvik victim's service office is located across the street from Ingamo Hall.