CONTENT WARNING: This story contains graphic details relating to sexual assault some readers may find upsetting.
Multiple sexual assault allegations have been leveled online against an employee at a downtown Victoria restaurant.
The website Survivor Stories Project has posted 10 different detailed accounts accusing a staff member, believed to be a bartender, at Chuck’s Burger Bar of rape and assault.
In several of the accounts, individuals describe being encouraged, coerced, or even forced into intoxication with alcohol supplied by the staff member, sometimes while he was on duty.
Some of the accounts go on to say they were further coerced or forced into taking illicit substances such as cocaine.
They go on to describe the staff member forcing them into non-consensual sex acts, becoming violent and angry if refused, and in some cases raping them while unconscious or semiconscious.
“I vaguely remember him forcing my friend to do coke and getting angry when I refused,” one account says.
“I also remember him making out with me and pulling me into his bedroom and trying to push me towards his bed, while I was protesting the entire time. I believe he was under the impression that I was more intoxicated than I was.”
A representative for the Survivor Stories Project says they have been in contact with VicPD over the allegations.
VicPD said in a statement that they are aware of the allegations and are asking people who wish to report incidents to phone them at (250)995-7654, extension 1.
In a statement posted to social media, Chuck’s Burger Bar said on Sunday they had been informed of the allegations and suspended the staff member in question.
https://www.facebook.com/chucksburgerbar/posts/3944983062189772
Several users slammed the restaurant’s statement in replies on the post, with many saying dozens of victims have come forward and directly communicated with restaurant staff.
Other users also posted their own allegations of abuse they say they suffered at the hands of the staff member.
According to some comments on social media, there are reportedly 35 women that have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against the restaurant worker.
In a statement sent to Victoria Buzz on Monday, Chuck’s Burger Bar says they have now terminated the employee and are engaged in a thorough investigation of the allegations.
They say the former staff member has denied the allegations and that the restaurant did not previously have any cause for concern with his behaviour.
“Our management team was fully surprised by the nature of the complaints and we are treating this matter very seriously,” Chuck’s Burger Bar stated.
“Chuck’s Burger is now engaged in thorough review of all internal business practices and processes, including (but not limited to) improving our vetting of new employees, improving new employee training, improving customer feedback, and working with Human Resource consultants.”
The restaurant added they will be providing further updates as information becomes available.
