Montreal police say they've been deluged with calls in the 24 hours since setting up their new hotline for Montrealers to report cases of sexual misconduct.
The multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein and several prominent Quebecers have led many sexual assault victims to tell their stories on social media, using the hashtag #MeToo.
Police chief Philippe Pichet says 43 calls came into the 514-280-2079 line during the day Thursday, and another 10 came in before 11:30 a.m. Friday. Many of those calls, he says, have led to investigations being launched.
Meantime, the chief also sent a memo out to his 4,500 officers, urging them to handle sexual assault complaints which may come to them as sensitively as they can.
"I sent that message because what we saw in the media over the last few days, I felt it was very important to tell my police officers on the field that it's very important to be aware of the situation," he says, "and if they were asked about denunciations, to be very vigilant and take the situation with the important that's deserved."
Pichet also says he recognizes that in many cases, victims are reluctant to go forward with their stories, for fear of having to relive their experiences and be belittled by those they accuse all over again. He says the force is working closely with community groups to help victims through the difficult process of following through on their complaints.
"I understand the process is not easy, but when someone who's been the victim of a sex crime decides to come forward, it's important for a police service to offer additional resources to make that process easier," Pichet said.
Pichet could not say whether any of the calls had anything to do with any of the prominent Quebecers who've made the news lately, including radio and TV host Éric Salvail or Just for Laughs mogul Gilbert Rozon.