Two witnesses to an alleged rape at a party in Pitt Meadows, B.C., earlier this month have come forward to speak with police, Mounties said Thursday.
At a press conference, RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen applauded the two youths for speaking with police.
"We respect the courage that it took for these two young adults to come forward," he said.
However, he pleaded with more witnesses to speak with police about what they saw at the rave on Sept. 10. Police investigators originally believed that between five and seven people watched the 16-year-old girl as she was sexually assaulted.
"We have reason to believe now there are more witnesses than originally thought," Thiessen said, adding that "upwards of a dozen" people may have watched.
He added that investigators think "several" men were involved in the actual assault, but said the exact number has not yet been determined.
"We feel strongly that there was more than one individual involved in the sexual assault," he said.
Sex assault charges are being mulled against an 18-year-old youth, and a 16-year-old boy could face pornography charges following the incident. Charge recommendations have not yet been forwarded.
It's alleged that the victim was drugged and raped repeatedly by partygoers as onlookers snapped photos that were then posted and shared online.
"We have strong reason to believe that she was impaired by drugs, that she did not take these drugs willingly," Thiessen said, adding that the so-called "date-rape" drug GHB is a likely candidate.
He also stressed that the widespread distribution and viewing of photos taken during the assault are criminal offences, and made the incident even more horrific for the young victim.
"What happened to this girl was horrible and a horrible violation, and she deserves the chance to heal without being re-victimized," Thiessen said.
‘There are no words'
Thiessen also read a statement from the victim's family.
"This incident has been devastating to our family and close friends. There are no words to express the effect and hardship this has placed on us," the statement read.
The victim's parents condemned the spread of photos online, as well as the rumours and doubt that have surrounded their daughter and her account of the alleged rape.
"She has no privacy, and the wound is continually being opened," they said.
But the family also thanked those who have expressed support for the victim online. "People have been so outraged and deeply affected by what happened to our daughter," the statement read, adding that the caring words of strangers have been and "extra bit of strength to us every day."
The victim has now returned to classes, and her family also thanked staff members at the school for their support.
