A priest in Oakville has been charged with sexual assault after a police inquiry.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) reported that the investigation started in early February following an allegation made by a woman who was volunteering at a local church. Investigators claim the incident took place while the victim was present at the church.
Authorities have charged 53-year-old Reverend Ranjan D’Sa from Oakville with one count of sexual assault. He has been released under an undertaking and is set to appear in court in Milton on a future date.
According to investigators, D’Sa has been part of the clergy since 2010 and has worked at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Oakville since 2016. Police are worried there might be more victims and are urging anyone with information or those who may have experienced similar incidents to reach out to the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.
Tips can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
Sexual assault involves any unwanted touching of another person that is sexual in nature, or any violation of the victim’s sexual integrity. It can range from inappropriate touching to assaults involving penetration.
There is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault, meaning you can still report it to law enforcement regardless of when it occurred.
Victims of violence or sexual assault can get support by contacting the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777.
You can find more information here. The Survivors Voices website also offers valuable resources for help.
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