Brandon University stands shoulder to shoulder against intimate partner violence

The Brandon University community is in shock after an 18-year-old woman was the victim of an alleged assault. Harrison Shin reports.

The Brandon University community took its stand after an 18-year-old woman collapsed on its campus following an alleged aggravated assault.

On Friday, the university community gathered at Kavanagh Courtyard to stand shoulder to shoulder, calling for an end to intimate partner violence and in support of survivors and the victim.

Around 70 people gathered in the courtyard – among them was the victim herself. CTV News is not identifying the victim to respect her privacy.

“We want to bring awareness that intimate partner violence does happen and it happens more than we know,” Jessica Laxdal, Brandon University’s sexual violence education and prevention coordinator, told CTV News on Friday.

One attendee at the rally said the incident was “very saddening.”

“To think of this happening on the university campus is just disheartening,” he said.

Another attendee said the rally showed the importance of togetherness.

“(It’s) incredibly unfortunate and tragic, and this will unfortunately alter the course of a young woman’s life,” she said.

Laxdal said the incident was an “extremely eye-opening event to those who reside, work and visit,” and thanked the community for its support.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident on March 12, when the alleged incident occurred, said Insp. Jason Dupuis of Brandon Police Service on Friday.

“The victim was transported to Brandon Regional Health Centre in serious and unstable condition. The victim has made some improvements and is currently in stable but serious condition,” he added.

Dupuis said the alleged assault took place off-campus, but the victim experienced the medical emergency on-campus.

He described the incident as “rare.”

“I want to make it clear – the victim and the accused were known to each other, this was not a random attack that occurred on Brandon University, this occurred off-campus.

“The university – we feel – is a very safe campus.”

Laxdal said her office will offer everything it can.

“I want them to know that they are not alone and I know that statement gets overused time and time again. But when you are living this type of experience – it can feel extremely isolating.

“You’re going to be believed. You’re going to be listened to.”

The 20-year-old man is now facing a charge of aggravated assault and was released on an undertaking.

The investigation is ongoing and the allegation has not been tested in court.