www.SexualAssaults.gov.qc.ca

Significant statistics ¹

In Québec 5,341 sexual offenses were registered by police in 2008. Many fall under the Criminal Code of Canada, notably sexual assault, sexual touching or invitation to sexual touching with children under 16, sexual abuse of a teen 14 to 18 years old, and incest. Since March 1, 2008, they have also included corrupting children, luring a child via computer, and voyeurism.

The sexual offenses were mainly sexual assaults, numbering 4,283. Other sexual offenses totaled 1,058.

34% of sexual offenses registered in 2008 were reported to police the same day they were committed, while 20% were reported over a year after being committed.

83% of victims were female.

• 53%: young girls under 18
• 30%: adult women
• 15%: young boys under 18
• 2%: adult men

68% of victims were under 18

• 10%: 5 or under
• 21%: 6 to 12
• 21%: 12 to 14
• 16%: 15 to 17
• 13%: 18 to 24
• 19%: 25 or older

Nearly seven out of ten victims (69%) were assaulted in a private residence. Of this number,

• 39% were assaulted in the residence where they lived with the perpetrator
• 22% were assaulted in the residence where they lived
• 26% were assaulted in the perpetrator’s residence

Just over eight out of ten victims (81%) knew the perpetrator:

• For 27% of victims, the perpetrator was a mere acquaintance
• For 13%, a parent or step-parent
• For 12%, a brother or sister
• For 8%, a spouse, ex-spouse, intimate friend, or ex-intimate friend
• For 6%, a distant relative
• For 6%, a friend
• For 5%, a symbol of authority
• For 4%, a business associate