University of Victoria international student attacked, significantly injured

A Saanich Police vehicle is seen in Saanich, B.C., on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. (Chad Hipolito / The Canadian Press)

VICTORIA — The University of Victoria has confirmed an international student at the school was injured in an attack at a local mall, but police say there’s no indication the case was racially motivated.

Nonetheless the school says in a statement that “hatred, racism and intolerance have no place” in the local community and the university is committed to supporting “a diverse, safe and thriving campus and broader community.”

Police in Saanich, B.C., said Wednesday the attack happened on Jan. 22 just before 9:30 p.m., when patrol officers responded to a report that someone had been assaulted near the Tuscany Village shopping complex.

Police said the victim suffered significant facial injuries and was taken to hospital, but few other details about the attack have been released.

Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the assault and have identified the suspect as a Caucasian man in his late 20s or early 30s.

Jim Dunsdon, the University of Victoria’s associate vice president of student affairs, confirms the victim is an international student at the institution and says the school is in contact with them and is offering support.

“This is a horrific incident and our hearts are with the victim, who is currently recovering from their injuries,” Dunsdon said in the statement, adding that students are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings.

“It is terrible to hear of incidents like this, particularly when they victimize someone from our community.”

He said there are on- and off-campus support programs available for those who feel impacted by the attack.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2026.