Sexual assault victim speaks out
Welland event and speakers shed light on sexual assault
The victim of a sexual assault in Shedding light on sexual assault used a walk on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to speak about what happened to her this past September.
The walk was organized by environmental division employees at Walker Industries and held at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls, said Stephanie Turton.
Turton, an operations assistant in Walker’s environmental division, said she knew of the woman who had been sexually assaulted by a man while she was jogging on the Steve Bauer Trail on Prince Charles Drive on Sept. 17.
“We wanted to do something to make a positive impact in the community,” said Turton of Wednesday’s walk.
She said the 45-year-old woman reached out to her when a second rally was held in support of her along the trail near Prince Charles Drive and Thorold Road. That rally saw 100 people come out.
“She knew we (Walker Industries) were planning a walk and wanted to speak to our group. I believe she was empowered by the community helping her to cope and heal with what happened.”
The woman spoke before the walk, which also saw Walker employees in Halifax and others take part remotely.
“A couple months ago, I was the victim of a senseless and violent attack while out running. Thankfully, I was able to fight back, and in that moment, I became a survivor. Every day since the attack, I have been fighting a personal battle to find the strength that will allow me to heal my physical injuries and emotional wounds.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I will not allow my attacker to break my spirit. I am strong, brave and even more determined to bring about change in our world today. I will fight for myself, for all women, and for a world where women and girls can live free of fear, violence and insecurity.
“I stand here today ... with a clear message: Violence against women and girls must end,” the woman said.
Turton said in the group of 10 at Oakes Park, at least four knew someone who has been the victim of violence.
“You’d be hard-pressed not to find someone affected by gender-based violence. It’s important to talk about it. It’s often hushed up and it doesn’t have to be. We need to have these conversations so victims can heal and we can get to the root of the problem.”
Wednesday also marked the beginning of the annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence campaign that runs until Dec. 10.
Turton said it’s important to shed light on the issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as domestic violence and sexual assault incidents increase.
The man who attacked the woman in Welland is still at large. Police describe him as white, about five-foot-five. At the time he was wearing dark pants and a black hoodie.
Through their investigation, police obtained and released video footage of the suspect running in the street shortly after the incident occurred.
The video is on the police’s Facebook page — facebook.com/ NiagaraRegPolice.