Taradale rally to support teen sex assault victim draws hundreds

2 brothers charged with kidnapping, sexual assault in connection with the crime

Image | Taradale rally

Caption: Taradale residents gathered in an alley where police say a sexual assault took place last weekend. (CBC)

Hundreds of people turned up at a rally in Taradale to support a 17-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by two strangers last Friday.
The teen was waiting for a bus when two men dragged her to an alley and assaulted her. Police said the pair then walked the teen 1.6 kilometres to a home where the attack continued.

Image | Taradale rally

Caption: People were encouraged to bring candles or glow sticks for the rally to show support. (CBC)

Two brothers have been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault in connection with the incident.
The rally was organized by the Taradale Community Association at the bus stop where the girl was taken to help promote safety in the neighbourhood.
Everyone gathered was asked to bring glow sticks or wear glow in the dark clothing to help make a statement.
"It's been a tough week," area resident Jennifer Soriano. "Just going through my mind what it must have been like for her. I've got three kids myself and even when we walked into the alley my heart just lurched."
She said she has been praying for the victim and it's something that should have never happened.
Soriano said even though the neighbourhood was the scene of a devastating crime, she feels it is a safe community to raise her children in.