OPP are sending a serious warning after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted at an after-prom party last week.
The incident happened on the Bruce Peninsula, in Tobermory. In the course of speaking to some young people, CTV News came upon allegations of a similar, Windsor-area assault.
Both alleged incidents, though in altogether different communities, happened as students camped out after prom.
OPP say the young woman in Tobermory was intoxicated and had passed out, when she was attacked.
Two young woman in Windsor say their friend faced a similar circumstance.
“It was fun bunch of people. The drinking got out of control,” say the girls.
But what happened next was the last thing anyone expected.
“My friend was sexually assaulted,” they say.
These friends were at their after-prom party last Saturday, in a field on the outskirts of Windsor.
The teens say their friend went to her tent for the night, when she was attacked.
“She ended up getting raped while sleeping,” say the girls. “She woke up, ran out of the tent, called police. She ended up having to go to hospital.”
Windsor police say they are not aware of such an incident occurring. OPP have yet to confirm the allegations.
It's a parents’ worst nightmare, but a real danger that exists, according to Windsor police.
“We want people to have fun, but want to remind people to be responsible,” says Sgt. Matt D’Asti.
That includes those who host parties. Police says property owners can be held responsible if a party goer is injured at the party or driving home afterwards.
Parenting expert Win Harwood says teens shouldn't be denied the chance to celebrate, but she says parents must address the dangers with their kids, long before their big night out.
“They need their parents to help them keep safe,” says Harwood. “It’s important parents are connected with teens and make sure they stay safe. Start conversations like ‘how do you stay safe at a party?’”
