Calls flood Montreal police hotline for victims of sexual misconduct

One day after setting upa temporary hotline for complainants of sexual assault and harassment, Montreal police say the calls are pouring in.

Officers staffing that phone line have received more than 70 reportssince Thursdayafternoon. Some of the calls have also prompted the SPVMto reopen cases, with thepolice chief sayinghe will increase resources if necessary.

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"We have a team in sexual assault crime unit. We're around 30 people, but if we need to put some more we'll do that," said Philippe Pichet.

Montreal police are asking that if the reported incident did not take place on the island of Montreal, then people should call their local police station or report it to provincial police by calling1-800-659-4264.

#MeTooprompts police action

The decision to set up the hotlinecomes in the wake of a waveof allegations againstHollywood mogul HarveyWeinstein. Since those reports,thousands of people have identified themselves on social media as survivors of sexual assault or harassment, using thehashtag#MeToo.

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Then this week, allegations of sexual misconduct were levelled athigh-profile Quebecers,includingformer Just For Laughs presidentGilbert Rozon and TV and radio starEric Salvail.

In an internal letter sent to employees and obtained by Radio-Canada, Pichettold officers it was possible they would receive a higher number of complaints over the course of the coming days and weeks.

"We will take all complaints," Pichetwrote in the letter.

"Disclosure remains the biggest test, and we will offer the best support possible to these people."

• The special hotline number is 514-280-2079.
• It's open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.,Monday to Friday.

Police across Quebec urge victims to come forward

SretduQubecLt. Martine Asselinsaid shebelieves the recent spate of sexual assault allegations emerging in Hollywood and Quebec may prompt other alleged victimsto contact police.

"Everything going on right now can give them the little push they were missing to say, 'Yes, you know what? I'm not alone, and I'm going to go through the procedures of the court,'" said Asselin.

She said theSQ hasresources such astherapy dogs to help those who speak outfeel more comfortable telling their story.

Other police services across the provinceare also asking alleged victims of sexual harassment and assault to contact them.

"We are listening, and we take this very seriously," the Quebec Citypolice tweeted on Thursday, urging victims to come forward.

Both Gatineau and Laval police services issuedsimilar statements online, saying they could be reached at all times.

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More funding for sexual assault centres?

Frontline workers who help victims of sexual assault and harassment are hoping this is a watershed moment that prompts others to reach out and ask for help.

A Quebec-wide umbrella organization overseeing centres supporting victims of sexual misconduct says it has been dealing with a slight increase in demands for assistance, but has yet to see a surge.

"We want to be overwhelmedbecause we would like to offer support to the most people possible," Regroupement Qubcois des CALACS spokesperson Mlanie Sarroino told Radio-Canada.

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There are also worries that centres don't have enough resources to accommodate more clients, according to Sarroino.

The Quebec government's announcement of$1 million in emergency funding for victims of sexual assault earlier this week also comes ascentres are struggling financially.

"It might help a bit, but it won't solve the problem," she said.

While it's not yet clear how that funding will be allocated, Sarroino said sexual assault centres haveproceduresin place to always make sure they never turn anyone in crisis away.