New numbers show Chatham-Kent police are seeing an influx of reported sexual assault incidents.
In 2015, there were 72 reported sexual assaults, up from 59 the year before.
Police Chief Gary Conn says it's likely a mix of more incidents happening, but also more victims coming forward.
"We know a lot of incidents go unreported, so we emphasize 'we cannot assist if we don't know,'" says Conn. "Please, if you're not certain, still report it and let us determine if it is actually a crime."
Conn says the more information they know, the easier it is to adapt their strategy to addressing the problem. He adds local social service agencies could be helping victims feel comfortable reporting the incidents.
"A lot of the issues we deal with, the social root cause is also another social service agency's issue, like homelessness, addictions and poverty," says Conn.
Reported aggravated assaults also increased from seven to 12 year-over-year.
