Vancouver, British Columbia – Police in Vancouver have identified a suspect in a violent assault on a sex worker in the Downtown Eastside area. The incident occurred after midnight on June 10 when a man picked up a woman near East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) reported that the man assaulted the woman with a weapon before pushing her out of his car near Oppenheimer Park. The victim is currently recovering from her injuries.
According to the VPD, they located the suspect and seized his vehicle, but have not released his name as charges have not been laid yet. The suspect was described as a white male, 40 to 50 years old, weighing 300 pounds, with a receding hairline, wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants at the time of the assault.
The investigation is ongoing, with the VPD urging sex workers in the area to remain vigilant. Kit Rothschild, the community co-executive director at PACE Society, expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the risks that sex workers face due to criminalization and stigmatization. Rothschild highlighted the importance of communication and support for sex workers to ensure their safety.
In response to the assault, the PACE Society plans to spread awareness among community members through various means, such as word of mouth and text messages. Rothschild also called for more grassroots initiatives and welfare support to protect sex workers from harm and alleviate financial pressures.
Acknowledging sex workers as integral members of the community, Rothschild emphasized that violence against them should not be tolerated. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability faced by sex workers and the need for increased efforts to ensure their safety and well-being.
Alex Nguyen, a reporter with CBC News in Vancouver, covered the story and welcomes story ideas and tips from the public via email. Michelle Morton also contributed to the reporting on this incident.