NCJ Number
76003
Date Published
1978
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report contains the results of a special survey conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (Canada) regarding sexual offenses reported to the police from April through September 1978.
Abstract
This study was initiated in response to public concern over what appears to be a sharp rise in sex crimes. A total of 274 sexual offenses were reported in the 6-month period, of which 72 were rapes and 95 were indecent assaults on a female. Although sex offenses in Ontario Province increased 46 percent in the first 4 months of 1978, figures for the period surveyed were similar to the previous year. Statistics are presented for the following offenses: indecent assault on a female, rape, indecent act, indecent assault on a male, intercourse with a female under 14 years, contributing to juvenile delinquency, intercourse with a female 14 to 16 years old, incest, gross indecency, and miscellaneous offenses wuch as sexual intercourse with a feebleminded person. Data on the total numbers of victims and accused persons are classified according to age, sex, circumstance of the occurrence, and relationship of the accused to the victim. These categories are also used in breakdowns under individual offenses, along with involvement of drugs or alcohol, additional charges files, and case disposition. A summary of the survey's findings notes that 65 percent of the female victims were between age 11 and 19 and that victims under age 15 usually knew or were related to the accused. In many rape offenses, victims showed a great lack of discretion and promiscuity was a predominant factor. Persons accused of indecent acts were indiscriminate and impulsive in their behavior, choosing random victims in order to shock them. Extensive tables are supplied.