'Sexual violence is on the rise' Calgary advocates say as a suspected serial rapist is charged
CTV
The heinous crimes allegedly committed by 59-year-old Richard Robert Mantha over the span of 15 months has advocates of sex trade workers speaking up on the fear and safety issues plaguing working women.
The heinous crimes allegedly committed by 59-year-old Richard Robert Mantha over the span of 15 months has advocates of sex trade workers speaking up on the fear and safety issues plaguing working women.
"In the last couple of years the violence has increased," said Jacquie Meyer, with Eastside Victory Outreach.
"I would say the sexual violence is on the rise."
Meyer says she sees and speaks with women from Calgary's sex trade daily, building personal bonds with them.
She advocates for them and is a bridge for them to speak, if they are afraid to speak with police.
"We're located in one of Calgary's last prostitution scrolls… right in the heart of Forest Lawn," said Meyer.
Mantha faces 16 charges related to three women he allegedly sexually assaulted. Their identities are protected under a publication ban.
