Victoria police say numerous people have shared information with officers about sexualized violence associated with a downtown bar employee and they are now investigating.
Nearly a dozen personal accounts of rape, sexual assault and predatory behaviour by a former employee of Chuck’s Burger Bar have been shared anonymously online, on the Instagram page Survivors Stories Project.
Many of the people say they were customers of the downtown Victoria bar.
Several of the posts describe being encouraged or coerced to consume alcohol or cocaine and being physically assaulted. They describe a man who became violent when turned down, and who forced himself on women who were intoxicated and sometimes semi-conscious.
The bar has responded to the allegations, saying the employee has been fired and they are conducting an investigation. They said the former worker has denied the allegations.
Bar management said in a statement they were surprised by the accusations and were not previously aware of any concerning behaviour.
JR Slims on Wharf Street issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging that the accused man worked at the restaurant for a short time.
“Since learning of these allegations two days ago, we have been taking the time to check in with each and every one of our staff members individually who worked over that time period,” the statement says. They say they’re not aware of any allegations made by their staff or customers.
The Monkey Tree Pub also issued a statement on social media, saying that the man was a part-time employee of the pub for a year until March 2020. They said they are not aware of any allegations made against him related to his employment at the pub.
VicPD said they were alerted to the allegations on Sunday and contacted the operators of the Instagram account to share information on how to come forward. VicPD also shared the information on its own social media channels, encouraging anyone with information to report it in whatever way they felt most comfortable.
“We have had many people come forward with information. Our investigative services division team is working through this information and are connecting with these people to gather more details. This process takes time and we’re asking for patience moving forward. We are here to listen and are hoping to connect with more survivors,” said Det. Sgt. Jan Malinosky with the special victims unit.
Police said if anyone feels uncomfortable reporting directly to them, they can contact the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, which can be reached 24 hours a day, at 250-383-3232, or through a hospital emergency room, a physician, a counsellor, and other social support agencies.
About 20 people gathered Tuesday evening outside Chuck’s Burger Bar on Yates Street to protest the establishment and the man they say is responsible for victimizing young women. They held signs with messages that said, “When somebody tells you their truth, believe them” and “Your voice has power.” Some signs called for the former employee’s arrest.
Another protest is planned for this evening.
More information about reporting to police and the supports available can be found at vicpd.ca/webelieveyou.
VicPD’s reporting desk can be reached at 250-995-7654, extension 1.
regan-elliott@timescolonist.com