The unprovoked beating his 13-year-old son suffered from one of his classmates in a Summerside park was bad enough.
But what got worse, his mother said, was that the others were standing around and watching. Some even shouted for encouragement. At least one recorded the aggression and spread it on social media.
The mother said she did not expect the children to physically intervene. But someone, anyone, he said, could have asked for help.
As a result, someone did.
The victim’s family did not know until a few weeks after the November 10, 2021 incident, but a girl who saw what was happening called 911. When she called “the police are coming,” the beating he stopped and the crowd dispersed.
“I needed help”
“I was glad to hear that there was a student in the crowd who knew that what was happening was not right,” said the mother.
“His safety was in jeopardy and he needed the help of the authorities.”
And while the other boy was sentenced last week to 18 months probation for the assault, the victim’s mother hopes the other lesson to be learned is for viewers to act.
“Consensus or planned fights can be a reality for peers, but I hope the boys have learned a valuable lesson. I would never expect anyone to get involved in a situation like this, but I think it’s seeking help if you see someone in trouble.”
The attack took place on November 10, 2021 in Heather Moyse Park in Summerside, where a crowd of young people saw it and at least one person videotaped it and circulated it on social media. (Laura Meader / CBC)
The mother cannot be named because she identifies her child and the abuser, whose identities are protected under the provisions of the Juvenile Criminal Justice Act.
Her son, an 8th grader, has anxiety and learning disabilities, and had recently changed schools.
I can’t stand watching the video
In an impact statement from the victim read in court last week, the boy said, “The incident that day got my life dirty … I realized I had no friends that day and I felt desperate “.
The mother said she can’t stand watching the video, which CBC has seen and opted out.
In sentencing the 14-year-old, Judge Krista MacKay said the assault was atrocious and shocking. He said it was also shocking to see so many spectators doing nothing while the boy was being beaten.
Summerside Police Sergeant. Jason Blacquiere says viewers should call 911 if they witness an assault, but warns not to put themselves in danger. (Wayne Thibodeau / CBC)
Summerside Police Sergeant. Jason Blacquiere said the girl did the right thing by calling the police.
“In this environment as a young teenager it can be quite difficult to intervene and try to stop what is happening there, but in our day and age most people certainly have a mobile phone in person and a call to the police or 911 or even shouting in. It is often enough to say that you will call the police on the attacker or the stalker to stop the attack, and then of course continue with the call and have the police answer “.
Blacquiere said he would offer the same advice to an adult who witnessed an act of harassment or aggression, even though they may have the right vital skills to calm the situation.
“Every situation is different and needs to be assessed in the heat of the moment, but we would certainly warn anyone who also considers their own safety.”
Lasting impact on the family
The mother said she regrets not being there for her son, even though she did not know what was going on. Her family has been bullied before, but this incident has had a lasting impact.
“There’s a lot of guilt there, unfortunately. You know, the word snitch seems to be so common with this age group and that influenced me not to tell anyone. I wish I knew and could have been there that day. to protect or prevent or, you know, go in another direction. “
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has visited the girl who asked for help to express her gratitude and share what they hope for the future: “Only a few more people like that girl that day who only knew in her heart that this is not it was good. “