IQALUIT - Three youths are facing charges in relation to a sexual assault early last week in Iqaluit, according to RCMP.

The charges stem from a break-and-enter complaint RCMP responded to at about 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 13. The three youths are accused of having broken into the downtown-area residence of a 28-year-old woman while her child was sleeping, police stated.

Three males between the ages of 15 and 17 each face one count of break-and-enter with intent to commit sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and break and enter with intent to commit theft.

The three teens also each face one count of assault with a weapon, break and enter and theft to business - two separate businesses according to the RCMP - as well as numerous breach of probation and undertaking orders under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The RCMP stated those charges relate to other matters from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19.

The youths cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The Qulliit Status of Women Council stated it is "deeply concerned" about the recent incident in an Oct. 27 press release.

"Words alone will not put an end to sexual violence," stated Donna Adams, president of the council.

The group said it would like to see all levels of government take action to address the issue of violence against women.

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