The sidewalk in front of the Victoria Police Department will be filled with demonstrators Thursday afternoon, taking part in a Justice for Survivors protest.
The protest starts at 4 p.m. and is expected to continue for approximately two hours directly in front of the VicPD headquarters.
On the Facebook event page, organizers say it’s an “official protest to support survivors of sexual assault” in connection to a specific man, who has been accused of sexual violence. He has previously worked at multiple Victoria restaurants; most recently, Chuck’s Burger Bar.
There have been numerous allegations brought forward about this man that extend across Canada to Ontario. Police are actively investigating, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
READ MORE: Chuck’s Burger Bar: VicPD says sexual assault investigation extends to Ontario
Demonstrations condemning sexual violence and the restaurant’s behaviour were previously held at Chuck’s Burger Bar, which is currently closed, but Thursday’s protest is purposefully being held outside VicPD headquarters.
One of the organizers of the protest, Opal Lauren, says although she believes the restaurant itself needs to be held accountable, there’s a bigger message that needs to be heard.
“Our main goal is making sure the survivors get justice,” said Lauren. “We are holding it in front of VicPD as a Call To Action from them and the legal justice system. We’re taking these protests one step at a time and want our voices heard until survivors get justice.”
Organizers say that justice will come when the man accused of multiple accounts of sexual violence is put behind bars.
The Justice for Survivors protest is set for 4 p.m., and anyone not wanting to be photographed is asked to wear a purple armband or piece of cloth around their arm.
Organizers ask that all attendees wear a mask and keep a physical distance from others.
CHEK has reached out to the Victoria Police for a comment on the matter and is awaiting a response.
If you have been a victim of sexualized violence, or have any information about the ongoing investigation, you can contact the Victoria Police Department or the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.
CHEK News
