Sexual assault victim fell off rocks: witness

More details are coming to light about a violent sexual assault in Esquimalt's Highrock Park after a witness said the 18-year-old victim fell down a rocky outcrop and ran to her back door for help.

The woman said she was getting ready to put her two young children to bed about 8 p.m. Sept. 20 when she heard a female yell for help. She looked out her back window and saw the victim tumble down the rocky patch that rims the park and abuts her backyard.

The Esquimalt resident, who did not want to be identified because she fears for her safety, took the 18-year-old woman into her home and called 911.

The victim had a scrape on her leg and blood on her cheek and said a man with two large dogs struck her in the head and tried to strangle her and sexually assault her, the woman said.

“She was traumatized,” the woman said. “She said she looked for lights and we were here.”

Victoria police searched for the attacker and combed the park for evidence. The woman was taken to hospital to be treated for her injuries.

The woman said she grew up in the area and has always felt safe there, but the attack has made her worried.

“This definitely changes my view on the safety of the park,” she said. “It’s so horrible.”

Another neighbour whose house backs onto the park said he heard someone say “come back here” on the night of the attack, but didn’t think anything of it. “It’s scary to know that it comes that close [to home],” he said.

Two days after the attack, Victoria police arrested a 40-year-old Esquimalt man.

Jean Nadeau is charged with aggravated sexual assault, attempted robbery and attempted strangulation. Nadeau appeared in court on Monday. His next court date is set for Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.