Saskatoon Sexual Assault Centre calls on police to adopt new way of categorizing cases

The Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre thinks local police should follow the recommendations of a former inspector in adding a new category to classify sexual assault cases.

Shelley Ballarddid a review of almost 300 sexual assault cases deemed unfounded by Saskatoon police over a five-year period. Investigators classify cases as "founded" or "unfounded."

• Review of Saskatoon's unfounded sexual assaults released

But Ballard suggests police need a new category: "Founded unable to substantiate."

Faye Davis, the executive director of thesexual assault centre, said such a category would more accurately represent what's happening with sexual assault, and be hugely significant for victims.

"I think it would help us across the country more accurately gather that type of information. Whereas right now, when it's categorized as unfounded, I think that's interpreted vastly by the public and reasonably so that that means it didn't actually happen," she said.

"Their biggest fear that prevents survivors from telling anyone, but especially reporting to police,is that they think they won't be believed."

Ballard's report is going tothe Board of Police Commissioners meeting today.