A new study conducted by personal injury law firm Preszler Law Alberta reveals that Grande Prairie has the highest sexual violence rates in Alberta.The study examined sexual assault data from Statistics Canada for Alberta’s 15 most populous cities. Researchers calculated the average rates of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 cases per 100,000 people between 2018 and 2023. These averages were combined to rank the cities by their overall sexual violence rates.Grande Prairie has the highest sexual violence rate among Alberta's 15 largest populated cities, with a Sexual Violence Rate of 154.12 per 100,000 population. This is approximately 77% above the average of 86.94 for all 15 cities analyzed. The city recorded a total of 608 Level 1 sexual assault cases between 2018 and 2023, the fifth highest among analyzed cities. "The findings about Grande Prairie’s sexual violence rate are deeply concerning and reflect a significant public safety issue. With a Sexual Violence Rate of 154.12 per 100,000 residents — 77% above the provincial average — Grande Prairie stands as the Alberta city most impacted by sexual violence among its largest urban centers, says Jeffrey Preszler, spokesperson for Preszler Law in Alberta."This data underscores the urgent need for enhanced community resources, education on prevention, and accessible support services for survivors, alongside robust legal advocacy to ensure justice and accountability.", .Worst Alberta cities for sexual violence per 100,000 populationGrande Prairie — 154.12Lethbridge — 142.58Red Deer — 129.03Medicine Hat — 106.83Edmonton — 106.08Wood Buffalo — 88.32Fort Saskatchewan — 76.14Spruce Grove — 74.34Strathcona County — 72.21Leduc — 69.60Calgary — 67.61Airdrie — 61.23St. Albert — 56.89Cochrane — 52.02Okotoks — 47.04Section 271, 272 and 273 of Canada’s Criminal Code define and categorize the crime of sexual assault on three different levels:A level one sexual assault compromises the sexual integrity of the victim without consent but also without physical injuries. This may include inappropriate touching, unwanted kissing, and oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Level two addresses sexual assault that causes bodily harm or involves a weapon or threats to a third party. Level three covers aggravated sexual assault.There is no statute of limitation on sexual assault. A Canadian can be accused at any time, regardless of when the alleged crime took place.
