Ottawa's Beacon Hill marches for women's safety after pathway sexual assault

About 150 residents marched along Ogilvie Road in Ottawa's east-end Beacon Hill neighbourhood on Friday evening (November 13) in support of a woman sexually assaulted by a stranger on a nearby pathway last Sunday, calling for safer public spaces. The suspect remains at large, and Ottawa police have released a description and images of the suspect, asking the public for information. (File photo: a women's march in Ottawa.)

Attacked on a pathway on Sunday morning; suspect fled

According to an Ottawa Police Service notice issued on November 10, the assault happened at approximately 11:50 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, when a woman was approached by an unknown man and assaulted on a pathway near Ogilvie Road and Quincy Avenue. The suspect fled toward the neighbourhood south of George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and Ogilvie Road. Police have since obtained images of the suspect and released a description: a Black male, approximately 20 to 30 years old, 5'8" to 5'11" (173 to 180 cm) tall, approximately 200 lbs (91 kg) with a medium to muscular build, wide nose, dark hair possibly tied back, facial hair on his chin, speaking English with a slight accent, last seen wearing dark clothing.

Police ask for tips, including dashcam footage

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information to contact the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944, or by email at [email protected]. Anyone with dashcam or surveillance footage that could help is also asked to come forward. Police say the suspect remains outstanding.

Community marches along Ogilvie Road: “We simply do not accept this”

Friday evening's march was organized with the help of community advocate Brook-Lynn Quinlan, with residents walking along Ogilvie Road in support of the victim. Resident Tamara Taub said she hoped the woman who was attacked could see the neighbourhood coming together and saying “we simply do not accept this,” adding that more than half of the city's population is female yet does not always feel safe. Karine Halle, who has lived in the Beacon Hill-Cyrville area for five years, also joined the march.

Advocate: prevention starts with education

Leigh, an advocate who has worked against violence against women for 20 years, including nearly 10 years with the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, said women should not have to change how they live to stay safe, and that leaders must work together on prevention through education. She said the City of Ottawa's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (2021–2031) has a pillar on gender-based violence and violence against women, and that the city has done a good job building a framework, but more can be done.