Women who regularly walk river trail near Bonnycastle Park shocked by sexual assault

The sexual assault of a woman, 18, onthe river path nearBonnycastleParkon Tuesdayafternoon has shocked women who use the trail regularly.

The victim told police shehad been walking along the river path, south of the steps leading up to Main Street and nearthe bridge east ofBonnycastlePark, when two menpushed her, grabbed her backpack and seriously sexually assaulted her.

"It's just terrifying," said KendallMcLean, 30, works nearBonnycastlePark and frequently walks her dog in the area."Anytime you hear something happening like this, your first thoughts go to the individual to whom this happened."

"I've never felt unsafe here. It is surprising.- Debbie Down

Debbie Down and NancyKolotyloregularly use the river trail along theAssiniboineRiver to walk together to The Forks. Both were alarmed by the attack.

"I've never felt unsafe here," Down said. "It is surprising."

"I would never have thought, as Debbie said, it would be unsafe here," saidKolotylo.

The woman told police shewas walking along the river path, south of the steps leading up to Main Street and nearthe bridge east of Bonnycastle Park, at about 5:45 p.m. when two menpushed her, grabbed her backpack and seriously sexually assaulted her.

One of the men appeared to be in his30sand about five feetten inchestall, with shortbrown hair and a beard. The second man looked like he was in his20s with dirty blond hair, police said.

No sketch of attackers

Police do not yet have a sketchthe men involved but there may be one soon.

"If the victim is willing and able to sit down with a sketch artist, a photo may be released at a later time," Const. Tammy Skrabek, a spokesperson for Winnipeg police, wrote in an email Wednesday.

She encourages anyone walking under bridges or in secluded areas to be aware of their surroundings.

"Walking with a second person is always recommended, as well as carrying a noise-making device or personal alarm and not wearing noise-cancelling earphones."

Attack 'unconscionable,' says trails advocate

Anders Swanson, executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, a group that promotes use of trails including the river paths in Winnipeg, said he believes it's important not to blame the victim nor the trail itself for the attack.

Violence against women happens in all environments, he said.

"It's not their fault, that's really critical," Swanson said. "What happened is something that's unconscionable and we all have to speak up against it, period."

In recent years river trails have grown in popularity in Winnipeg, he said. As more people use the trail system, perceptions of safety will improve, he said.

"Interest is growing for sure but we have a long way to go."

The Winnipeg Police Servicesex crimes unit is investigating the Tuesday's attack.Anyone with information that might help investigators is asked to call 204-986-6245 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

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