RCMP make arrests in Iqaluit home invasion case

(Updated 4:56 p.m., Oct. 20)

The Iqaluit RCMP arrested three boys, all under the age of 18, in the early morning hours of Oct. 20 and laid charges against two of them in connection with a home invasion and sexual assault that an Iqaluit woman suffered Oct. 13, a police press release says.

The two boys now face an array of charges, including assault, aggravated sexual assault, break-and-enter, and theft. They were to have appeared in court Oct. 20.

The complainant is a young single mother who was caring for a baby on the night the incident is alleged to have occurred.

The attack, which occurred in the Lower Base section of Iqaluit in the 700s area, prompted the Qulliit Status of Women Council to issue a statement Oct. 20 calling for action on sexual violence against women and children.

“Words alone will not put an end to sexual violence. It is time to act and to address the issue,” Donna Adams, president of Qulliit, said in a written statement.

Adams also called on the governments of Canada and Nunavut, as well as Inuit organizations and others, to work together to reduce violence against women.

The names of persons under the age of 18 who face criminal charges may not be published or broadcast.