WARNING: This story contains details of violence and sexual exploitation, including rape.
Several women, who claim to be victims in a deepfake investigation that features their real faces in AI-generated scenes of rape and torture, argue that the Ottawa Police Service isn’t conducting a “trauma-informed” investigation, contrary to the police’s statements.
“I’d really like to know who informed them, if they think they’re trauma-informed,” one 49-year-old woman shared with during an interview at her home in Ottawa.
The women – whose identities are protected by a court-ordered publication ban – expressed their anger and frustration regarding an Ottawa Police Service news release from May 29. The release stated that “investigators quickly launched a thorough, trauma-informed and victim-centred investigation” after a woman reported being depicted in harmful online content.
Stephen Lowe, 60, from Maitland, N. S., is facing 79 charges including harassment, making threats, possessing and distributing obscene material as well as child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Another man, Gregry Peter Van Beek from West Nipissing, Ont., has also been charged.
Currently, there are over 50 alleged victims. These allegations have not yet been proven in court.
spoke with 14 women across Nova Scotia, Ontario and Nunavut who say their faces were taken from social media images and altered – some made to appear naked.
Some of these women mentioned feeling shocked by how casually police communicated about the graphic content and felt dismissed with little information provided about the case.
Stephen Lowe, 60, of Maitland, N. S., is facing 79 charges including harassment, uttering threats, and creation of obscene material. (Stephen Lowe/Facebook)
The women also indicated they’re lacking mental health support and basic guidance on navigating the criminal justice system-resources they expected would come from Ontario’s Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP).
The Ottawa Police Service is leading this multi-jurisdictional investigation. In a statement, a spokesperson affirmed that the force takes such concerns seriously.
Court documents obtained by reveal Det. Const. Dakota Bashford as the lead investigator. He states in sworn affidavits that he had served as a police officer for nine years and had been part of the criminal investigations unit for two years when this case commenced in September 2025.
One woman told she found Bashford to be “responsive and helpful.”
Women Seeking More Clarity
A 34-year-old woman from Ottawa said she discovered she was an alleged victim through an email sent by Bashford to her work account on March 3.
“I am looking to speak to you in connection with an investigation in which I have identified you as having been victimized,” read the email which has seen. “Please contact me as soon as you can.”
Initially thinking it was spam or a phishing attempt due to recently ending an abusive relationship, she wondered if it might somehow relate to that situation.
WATCH | Alleged victim in AI deepfake case describes what trauma-informed means to her:
Alleged victim in AI deepfake case describes what trauma-informed means to her
A 34-year-old Ottawa woman said she learned about the case – and that she was an alleged victim – when she got an email from an Ottawa police officer through her work account. She says the investigation has not been trauma-informed.
The officer requested that she meet him at the police station where he began questioning her about her social media accounts.She thought about whether she’d done something wrong or if she needed legal representation for this meeting... p >
She claimed he laid out at least twenty images depicting violent scenarios involving her.
Afterward , she described leaving feeling “dirty” while wishing she’d received information on how best to protect herself.
“I wish someone had told me it wasn’t my fault. I wish there’d been another woman present. I wish I’d left with pamphlets or resources explaining these kinds of crimes,” she remarked.
She mentioned needing time off work now because she’s taking medication for panic attacks.
‘They wanted my reaction filmed’
Another woman aged thirty-nine from Ottawa recounted receiving a phone call on March second where Bashford informed her that content had surfaced concerning her but refrained from offering further details. b> b>.. b>.. b>Theparagraph continues here..The Officer suggested filming my reaction upon arriving at his office ; had I known beforehand how traumatic it would be , I could’ve arranged time off work along with bringing support.”
“` “`html In regard ”to ”the forty-nine year old female individual , **it** should be noted**that BAshford indicated** only one photo existed featuring her clothed correctly , yet later findings led HER TO discover many*deepfakes portraying HER AS mostly nude***and sometimes shown tied up or injured. She also noted being assured there was no risk posed towards HER safety since Lowe remained behind bars ; however , SHE termed this assertion ***a “glaring oversight ”*** considering allegations suggesting **Lowe invited other men into assaults against these women while revealing locations too. TRAUMA-INFORMED signifies ensuring individuals feel secure, supported & valued ; regrettably those feelings *are absent here*.”
This fifty-year old lady**, identified via court order protection stipulations,*echoes worries over psychological resources available stating : “`html When learning through **, several ladies voiced frustration towards its handling ; Insp. Pascal Labine lamented hearing such remarks.* “*Ladies may reach investigators directly; we’re eager hear their perspectives,*”he affirmed.*Asking himabout definitions pertaining to Trauma-Informed procedures*, he outlined *keeping all parties aware throughout investigations while allowing victims share stories without pressure.* "If any inquiries arise concerning direct access toward us rather than solely receiving communications through media relations departments!*>‘‘ ‘WATCH | Two arrested regarding violent nature related’ :’‘AI Deep Fake Sexual Content involving numerous Canadian Women.’ ‘*(‘Their rights deserve utmost respect’’)’)**</script> span >“` “`html In summary, the spokesperson highlighted role played by Victim Support Unit working closely alongside officers providing assistance planning ahead emotional needs while helping connect outreach resources available. However survivors reported not benefiting thus far. attempted reaching out directly towards BASHFORD yet responses relayed back directed inquiries back toward official channels instead.
Response within Ontario Justice System*:
Women maintained lack **communication** coming forth particularly related topics stemming VWAP -a province-based initiative meant guide understanding criminal processes given involvement currently surrounding complex cases. Her mention regarding VWAP following-up dated May fifth left major gaps between notifications upon realizing status officially categorized among alleged victims occurring months prior. While recognizing numerous involved individuals causing strain upon response measures taken overall funding levels remain problematic hindering effectiveness moving forward. “This incident showcases need new methods adapting current systems-future trends indicate rising instances like this,” expressed opinion emphasizing importance advancing supports communities will struggle managing.” To conclude reforms targeted increasing support capacities ultimately require significant investments enhancing infrastructure gradually evolving practices ensuring future adaptations focusing efficiently safeguarding fundamental human rights upheld crucially across society too. “`
