VICTORIA—New Democrat Children and Families critic Maurine Karagianis is demanding an immediate investigation into troubling allegations of sexual abuse of young women at the Burnaby Youth Secure Custody Centre.

“Allegations of sexual abuse have been made by several girls being detained at the secure custody centre in Burnaby,” said Karagianis. “This matter should be of extreme concern to the Ministry of Children and Family Development, which is responsible for their welfare while they are in custody. And their allegations should be taken seriously.

“I am demanding that Children and Families Minister Tom Christensen take immediate action and launch a full and independent investigation to ensure the safety of these young girls,” said Karagianis.

Last month, several girls at the facility had complained about breast examinations they were asked to undergo as part of a psychiatric assessment at the centre, despite having previously received an intake exam at the facility. Their complaints have resulted in an RCMP investigation into the allegations as reported, but no broader investigation has been launched.

“These allegations raise a number of questions, including whether or not there are any other victims at the facility, what safeguards are in place to stop this kind of abuse from taking place, and whether or not any policy changes are necessary given the complaints raised. And the only way that we are going to start getting answers is if the Ministry commits to investigate,” said Karagianis.

“If the Ministry refuses to launch this investigation, then they are failing these young girls and they are failing in their mandate to protect B.C.’s most vulnerable children.”