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Calls for Better Communication and Victim Support in Wake of Saanich Voyeurism Case

  • May 28
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 4


Following recent reporting by CBC News on the Saanich voyeurism case involving hundreds of victims, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) is joining provincial leaders and community advocates in calling for increased transparency and strengthened, trauma-informed supports for those affected.


The CBC News report highlighted growing concern from the B.C. Attorney General, who stated that potential victims “have a right to know” whether they were among the individuals recorded without consent in a case involving at least 652 women and girls over a six-year period.


The report also noted ongoing uncertainty, as only a portion of victims have been identified and contacted, leaving many people still unaware of whether they may have been impacted.


Scale of the case raises urgent concerns

As reported by CBC News, Saanich police seized thousands of images and more than 28 hours of video recorded in public and private spaces without consent.


While some victims have been identified and contacted, police have not released additional identifying details, citing investigative and privacy considerations.


This lack of clarity has contributed to significant concern among potentially affected individuals and the wider community.


“People have a right to know”

In the CBC News report, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma emphasized the importance of victim awareness in cases of this scale, stating that individuals deserve to know whether they were impacted.


Her comments reflect growing public discussion about how justice systems balance privacy, trauma prevention, and the rights of victims to access information about themselves.

Sharma also noted that provincial reforms are being explored to improve transparency and strengthen responses to sexualized violence and digital exploitation.


VSAC calls for trauma-informed transparency

Speaking to CBC News, Victoria Sexual Assault Centre Executive Director Samantha Loppie emphasized the importance of ensuring that responses to cases of this magnitude are both transparent and trauma-informed.


Loppie highlighted the broader emotional impact created when individuals are left uncertain about whether they were affected:

“Not only are there hundreds of folks whose consent was not given and privacy was breached directly, but then there is also this ripple effect in the community of folks wondering if they were included.”

VSAC continues to emphasize that transparency and trauma-informed practice must work together in responses to sexualized violence, rather than being treated as competing priorities.


The importance of victim-centred responses

CBC News also reported that Saanich Police chose to disclose limited information at sentencing, stating this was intended to avoid retraumatization and protect the integrity of the investigation.


While these considerations are important, advocates note that prolonged uncertainty can also contribute to harm, particularly in cases involving large-scale digital sexual exploitation.

VSAC supports approaches that prioritize:


  • Clear and timely communication where appropriate

  • Trauma-informed training for police and justice system partners

  • Accessible supports for individuals who may be affected

  • Stronger systems for identifying and removing non-consensual images

  • Survivor-centred communication practices in high-impact investigations


Support available for those affected

Support services remain available for anyone impacted by the Saanich case or experiencing distress related to sexualized violence.



Saanich Police continue to encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact their department directly.


A broader call for accountability and prevention

As highlighted in CBC News reporting, this case continues to raise urgent questions about privacy, consent, and institutional responses to large-scale sexualized violence.


VSAC remains committed to advocating for survivor-centred systems that prioritize dignity, clarity, and safety, while strengthening prevention and public awareness efforts across British Columbia.




This post responds to recent reporting by CBC News on the Saanich voyeurism case. To read the full article, follow the link below.


Community Response to Saanich Voyeurism Case

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