A mother of a 14-year-old Ukrainian girl who was reportedly attacked by a group of teenagers at a school in Winnipeg is calling for stronger measures to prevent bullying incidents. The Winnipeg police confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the assault at Oak Park High School. The victim’s identity is being protected, but a local resident disclosed to CBC News that her daughter was the target of the attack in a school restroom last Thursday.
Expressing her distress, the mother shared that her daughter was visibly shaken and in a state of shock following the assault. She emphasized that the incident has taken a toll on her daughter’s mental well-being, causing fear of returning to school. Allegedly, the confrontation involved five teenage girls who taunted the victim about her accent and appearance, culminating in physical violence where her head was forcefully struck against a bathroom counter and she was pushed to the ground and kicked.
The mother expressed concerns about the safety of her daughter at the school, highlighting a broader issue of bullying that she believes is prevalent. She mentioned her reluctance to send her daughter back to school until a resolution is reached by the school administration. The family, who sought refuge in Canada in 2022 amid the conflict in Ukraine, now questions the safety of their decision in light of the incident.
In response, the school authorities at Oak Park High School and the Pembina Trails School division refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. However, in a letter addressed to parents, Oak Park’s principal, Jennifer Bracken, assured that the school is prioritizing the safety and well-being of all students. Bracken emphasized that the reported incident is being thoroughly addressed, with appropriate support being offered to the affected teenager and other students. She reiterated the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all students.
The situation has sparked discussions on how to effectively address bullying and ensure the security of students within educational institutions.