Recent sexual assault data shows rate comparison between Alberta cities

Edmonton comes next, followed by Wood Buffalo, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County, Leduc, Calgary, Airdrie, St. Albert, Cochrane, and finally, Okotoks at 47.04 assaults for every 100,000 persons.

(Preszler Injury Lawyers with analysis of data from Statistics Canada)

“These sexual violence rates stem from a web of systemic inequities, cultural norms, and inadequate legal protections,” says Jeffrey Preszler, partner at Preszler Injury Lawyers, which is described as a law firm that advocates for plaintiffs’ rights and securing fair compensation.

“Many survivors hesitate to report sexual violence due to fear of not being believed. We demand a multifaceted approach to ensure justice and prevent future harm. Male or female, everyone deserves a life of dignity.”

In clarifying the methodology of their study, the firm notes the six-year average of sexual assault cases per capita (for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) were calculated for each city; then the averages for all three levels were combined to create a ‘Sexual Violence Rate.’

According to Red Deer RCMP, reported and investigated sexual assaults were actually significantly down in 2024, at 136, compared to 201 in 2023.

Other sexual offences totalled 91 in 2024, also down from 113 in 2023.

Numbers from the Red Deer-based Sendero Centre (formerly the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre) seem to corroborate a decline, but the reasons aren’t so black and white, they say.

In their 2021-22 operational year, they provided 3,443 counselling sessions, then 2,873 the following year, and down again to 2,785 for 2023-24.

Support line calls went from 2,105 in 2021-22, up to 2,215 in 2022-23, and then down drastically to 1,499 for 2023-24.

“Sexual violence remains the most underreported crime in Canada. The fact that Red Deer has one of the highest reporting rates in Alberta shows that survivors feel that they can report what happened to them, which can help them on their healing journey,” says Patricia Arango, executive director.

“At the Sendero Centre, we often emphasize the importance of awareness and proactive measures to address community safety. Prevention starts with education — understanding the root causes of issues like crime or violence and fostering stronger community connections. Knowing the warning signs, whether it’s in behaviour, environmental factors, or broader trends, is crucial in addressing problems before they escalate.”

Arango says reporting plays a vital role, as it ensures accountability and allows for timely interventions.

She adds too that seeing Red Deer so high on the list is disheartening, though not entirely surprising given challenges such as economic pressures, social inequities, and gaps in mental health and addiction supports.

“To improve, we need a collective approach: increased community engagement, better access to resources for those in need, and continued collaboration among organizations, law enforcement, and residents,” Arango says.

“Together, we can work toward a safer, more resilient Red Deer.”

If you or someone you know needs support for sexual assault-related reasons, the 24-hour Sendero Centre help line can be reached via phone or text at 1-866-956-1099 or by chat here.

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Recent sexual assault data shows rate comparison between Alberta cities

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