A 51-year-old Caledon man has been charged after a teenage girl who responded to a Kijiji ad seeking cleaning services was allegedly sexually assaulted at a Burlington residence.
Halton Regional Police said the victim contacted them in April to report the assault.
According to investigators, she responded to an advertisement seeking cleaning services at a home undergoing renovations. After accepting the job, police said she was taken to the residence, where the assault occurred.
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Police said the victim did not sustain any physical injuries.
Following an investigation, police arrested Varinder Chahal and charged him with sexual assault. He was released on an undertaking pending further investigation.
The charge has not been proven in court.
At the time of the alleged assault, Chahal was working as a contractor under the business name Chahal Renovations and had hired the victim to perform general cleaning duties at the residence, police said in a news release.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres’ website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
