RNC investigates 3 reports in 2 weeks of possible drugging, sexual assault

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says it's investigating three reports, all from women, of possible drugging and sexual assault over the past two weeks in downtown St. John's.

• Women report being drugged, sexually assaulted in downtown St. John's

Police held a news briefing Wednesday, one day after issuing a public advisory.

"In these cases the women were socializing in public places or establishments when they believe the drugs were slipped into their drinks or otherwise administered," said Sgt. Colin McNeil. 

"The RNC would like to remind the community that these acts are a crime and we do take them very, very seriously," he said, asking victims to get medical attention and report what happened to police.

McNeil refused to say which bars the women had been drinking in.

'Victim blaming'

The advisory Tuesday that people should watch their drinks and go out in groups drew criticism from the St. John's Status of Women Council, which accused the RNC of using language that sends the wrong message.

"They focus on the behavior of the victim and they don't focus on the behavior of the perpetrator," the council's executive director Jenny Wright told CBC Wednesday.

"Women do know how to keep safe, and they are not sexually assaulted because they weren't careful enough."

It's harmful to survivors, she said. 

"Because it says ...  if you had to cover your drink, if you had to have gone out with more people, if you had've stayed home, this wouldn't have happened to you," she said, "implying those who were assaulted are to blame for that."

The advisory was sent out in the interest of public safety, said McNeil. 

"This is a crime, a very serious crime, and the perpetrator is the person responsible here. At no time are we placing any blame on the victim," he said.

Safer policies

Wright said she was happy to hear police talk about possible dangers in the downtown.

"We're not hearing enough about the sexual assaults down on George Street," she said. 

But she said the police should work with women's groups on the wording of what they say.

"What we'd like to see is some clear messaging from the RNC about consent. What is consent under the law? Clearly understand that drugging someone is not consent."

Wright said police and bar owners should enforce safer policies in bars and restaurants so that they are "upholding the licensing laws, about not over-serving people, making sure that the people who are in your establishments are safe."

McNeil said increased safety measures have been put in place, including closed circuit television cameras on George Street.

He wouldn't say if the videotape has any evidence related to the recent complaints.