'It just gives me hope that she can get through this': Dozens rally for teen girl brutally beaten in Surrey
Dozens of people gathered in Surrey Sunday morning to show support for a teenage girl who was brutally beaten last weekend.
"It's just been happening too much in this city and it needs to stop,” Thomas Smith told CTV News.
Smith is a member of the B.C. Whiskey Wizards, a men’s mental health group that organized the event.
"This is ridiculous, little girls getting beat up in front of their schools our outside of schools or set up like that, this shouldn't be happening no more," Smith said.
The incident, which was recorded and posted to social media, happened last Saturday night on the grounds at Hillcrest Elementary.
In video of the attack, a girl can be heard screaming, “Go, go, go, hit her,” as the victim is punched and kicked. The victim, who is in Grade 9, can be heard crying and repeatedly saying she is sorry.
Despite her apologies, the teenage girls continue to attack the victim, chasing her as she tries to flee.
They corner her and make her kiss their shoes.
"It tore me apart inside to watch my daughter go through all the things she went through,” said the victim’s father.
The 15-year-old girl’s family said she was left with a broken nose, black eyes and scratching and bruising all over her body.
Her mother says the bullying hasn’t stopped.
"To this day, the one girl is still bullying my daughter online," the mother said. "She's posting pictures of my daughter bloodied and beaten up."
The victim was in attendance Sunday as dozens of vehicles drove along 176 Street honking in support, with many getting out to embrace the young girl.
"It just gives me hope that she can get through this,” her mother said of the support.
Surrey RCMP says one youth, who was specifically identified as the aggressor in the incident, was arrested and later released on an undertaking with a future court date.
Both the RCMP and the victim’s family are encouraging parents who may recognize their child in the video to come forward.
“As a parent, how are you not disgusted with your child?” said the victim’s mother.
“You should be held accountable for what your children are doing,”
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Michelle Brunoro
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.