Police believe there may be other victims of woman accused of sexual assault

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 6, 2022      3 pm

(Ottawa) – Following the conviction of a 54-year-old woman for several counts of sexual assaults, investigators believe there may be other victims.

Julie MENARD was charged in January 2020 following an investigation of a historical sexual assault. A criminal trial was concluded in April 2022. At the time, a publication ban prevented the naming of the accused. At the request of the victims, who were minors at the time of the assaults, the ban was lifted today.

MENARD has been a bus driver in the Ottawa area for many years.

“The victims bravely asked for the publication ban to be removed so other survivors might be encouraged to come forward, in this case or any incidents of sexual assault,” says Detective Leanne Smith, an investigator with the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section. “We are here to listen and assist you. It’s never too late to report sexual assault, even if you simply wish to document it. You will be given your options every step of the way.”

May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

About 80% of sexual violence happens by someone you know. Sexual assault can happen to anyone: women, girls, boys, men, and the S2LGBTQ+ community, people of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds.

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity, including touching, kissing, hugging, molestation, or penetration. Any one of them is just as much a sexual assault as any other form of unwanted sexual touching.

It’s never too late to report a sexual assault. When you’re ready, one of our highly-trained investigators is here to listen. You can state your preference to speak to a man or a woman in the language you prefer.

There are community resources available to help survivors to move forward after a sexual assault.

- 30 -

CONTACT: Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366