Sexual assault rate continues to climb in Edmonton

Sexual assault is the fastest rising violent crime in Edmonton, says police chief RodKnecht.

We have six or seven serious sexual assaults in this city every weekend, he told reporters Wednesday.

Sex assaults and homicides up sharply in Edmonton

• Sexual assaults increased in 2011
• Edmonton sex assaults jump 37%

Knechttiesthe increase with the rise inGHBthe so-called date rape drugin the city.

Police seize more of the drug,gallons of it,than is seen in other cities of Edmontons size,Knechtsaid, calling it deeply disconcerting.

ButKnechtdoesn't believe the climbing rate of reports is due to more victims coming forward.

We know that 10 to 15 per cent of sexual assaults are reported,so there are a huge number out there not being reported."

"I have conversations with young people and Im struck with how cavalier they are,Knechtsaid. Sometimes theyve been sexually assaulted and its, No big deal or Its just the way it is."Its troubling."

Knechtsaid young people need to learnwhat constitutes sexual assault.

This is not part of a date ... or going to the bar at night, he said. This kind of behaviour is not tolerated in our society or community.

Domestic violence is also on the rise in the city, he said.

"Were probably the only major city in Canada where crime is on the increase," Knechtsaid.

That's because the city's population has swelled by 60,000 in last two years, many of which are young men between 18 and 34 years old, he said.

More officers have been added to the department's sex assault section.

Number of reported sexual assaults in Edmonton