The Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced the arrest of three 17-year-old teenagers for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault and forcible confinement, and assault.
years old, who were recruits to the team”,”text”:”The initiation incidents reported concern five victims aged 15 to 16, who were recruits to the team”}}”>The initiation incidents reported concern five victims aged 15 to 16, who were recruits to the team
specifies the RCMP in a press release.
Two of the teenagers were arrested for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault and forcible confinement, while the third was arrested for sexual assault and assault.
The events allegedly took place in November 2023 and January 2024. The two incidents performed in a Winnipeg hotel, where a Pembina Valley high school hockey team was staying while they participated in tournaments in town. All teenagers involved are players on the team
adds the RCMP.
These facts were reported to the police on February 20.
We worked closely with schools, Prairie Spirit School Division and coaches to determine what happened and how to move the investigation forward
says Tara Seel, media relations officer with the Manitoba RCMP, in the release. Such behavior, these violent and degrading initiations, are unacceptable and will result in criminal charges for the three young people in question.
The three suspects were released, pending a court appearance in Winnipeg on June 10.
An in-depth investigation
Sergeant Richard Sherring indicates that this matter was reported to the RCMP by the principal of one of the schools.
He confirms that the RCMP arrested those involved so that they can answer for their actions through the legal system.
Richard Sherring says a group of investigators spoke several times with members of the schools, members of the hockey team and others in the community to learn more about this initiation incident.
He adds that he is very important that young people or people involved in initiation incidents know that their actions can have very serious consequences
.
Everyone who plays sport should be able to do so in a safe environment.
It also encourages young people to defend themselves when they face injustice.
It’s okay to stand up for yourself and come forward, whether it’s by feeling strong enough to do it yourself or by reaching out to someone else you trust who can help you report these incidents
he explains.
Hockey Manitoba general manager Peter Woods says the association takes allegations of this nature seriously.
The alleged behavior has no place in the world of hockey
he specifies in a statement sent by email.
The general director of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association, Chad Falk, indicates, for his part, that the association’s first concern is to ensure the safety and well-being of all the athletes involved in this matter.
“These allegations are deeply disturbing,” he said.
He adds that the association is monitoring the situation closely and is determined to provide support to the victims and affected families.
The well-being of victims
Wayne McNeil is the co-founder of Respect Group, an organization that fights against bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.
He says it is important to look after the mental health of victims and their safety when incidents like this occur.
I congratulate the victims who decided to speak out in this matter, because it is not always easy to denounce these acts.
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Wayne McNeil, the co-founder of Respect Group, says victims need to prioritize their own well-being.
Photo: Provided by Wayne McNeil
Parents, coaches and organizations need to take control of the situation and emphasize that initiation is not an acceptable option and that this type of behavior is not acceptable, he says. .
Even when there are convictions in these types of cases, the well-being of the victims is not always guaranteed in the long term.
adds Mr. McNeil.
