QUEBEC — About 500 people gathered Wednesday evening outside the student residences of Université Laval in Quebec City to support victims of alleged sexual assaults last week.
Quebec City police say the number of complaints stemming from the rash of break-ins and alleged sexual crimes has risen to 15, with at least four reporting being sexually assaulted.
The investigation into the incidents is ongoing and police haven’t been able to identify the number of suspects involved or provide a description.
A spokesman told a news conference Wednesday the number of complaints has climbed, but he didn’t say how many fall under the category of “crimes of a sexual nature.”
The protest under the theme “Sans oui, c’est non!” (Without a yes, it’s no!) was an initiative of political science professor Thierry Giasson, who denounced the university administration on social media.
“The first thing that an administration must do is take care of the victims,” Giasson said in an interview with Presse Canadienne. “Being present on the ground as well, meeting with people to reassure them. Doubt is the worst enemy in managing a crisis.”
Laval University rector Denis Brière tries to calm down hecklers at a vigil for the victims of sexual aggressions is held at Laval University Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in Quebec City.
The university’s rector, Denis Brière, appeared at the rally in front of the Alphonse-Marie-Parent pavillion. Chiasson praised Brière for being there the entire evening, despite his speech being interrupted several times.
“The community really came together tonight. I don’t think I’ve seen events like this in the last 10 years on this campus,” he said, noting the presence of MNAs from all parties. They included Lise Thériault, minister for the status of women, education ministers Sébastien Proulx and Hélène David, and employment minister François Blais.
Activists denounced a message sent to the community to lock their doors, saying it places responsibility for sexual assault on the victims. Authorities say the doors were either unlocked or open in all cases.
A vigil for the victims of sexual aggressions is held at Laval University Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in Quebec City.
Capt. Mario Vézina of the Quebec City police’s major-crimes unit said earlier in the day video evidence has been inconclusive because of poor lighting. Vézina said police have a complex investigation on their hands and have to meet with alleged victims and numerous witnesses.
Police set up a mobile command unit on Wednesday “to see if there are other victims as well as witnesses or people who have pertinent information to give us,” Vézina said.
The university is providing psychological counselling to the complainants.
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