Taradale rally to support teen sex assault victim draws hundreds

Hundreds of peopleturned up at a rally in Taradale to support a 17-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by two strangers last Friday.

• 2 brothers charged after Calgary teen kidnapped from bus stop, sexually assaulted

The teen was waiting for a buswhen two men dragged her to an alley and assaulted her. Police said the pairthen walked the teen1.6 kilometresto a home where the attack continued.

Two brothers have been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault in connection with the incident.

The rally was organized by theTaradale Community Associationat the bus stop where the girl was taken to helppromote safety in the neighbourhood.

Everyonegatheredwasasked 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.