Police are asking for the public’s help in a sexual assault investigation.
A woman reported she was assaulted in the Teegatha’ Oh Zheh Park near the end of Main Street the night of Sept. 23 at about 11 p.m.
The woman said she had been walking home when she was attacked by a man who punched her, threw her to the ground and assaulted her.
She did not know the man, police say.
“In cases where an assailant is unknown, it is important for the public to know of a potential risk so that they can take whatever steps they are comfortable with to enhance their own safety,” the RCMP said in a statement.
The man is described as having long dark hair and wearing a grey bandana and blue jeans. He had a slim face that had facial stubble.
Police say they are working with the woman to refine the description.
As part of the RCMP’s statement, the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre reminded the public that even though 92 per cent of the victims of sexual assault know their assailants, sexualized assaults like this do occur.
“If women need support, they are encouraged to call the women’s advocate at Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre at 667-2693 or Kaushee’s Place 24-hour crisis line at 668-5733.
“Friends, family members, and other resource people can support any woman who reports a sexual assault by reminding them of their strength, honouring their resistance, and respecting their wishes.”
The centre also encourages the man to turn himself in and asked the public to report any information to the RCMP.
Anyone with any information relating to this incident is asked to contact the Whitehorse detachment as soon as possible at 667-5551.
Contact Ashley Joannou at
ashleyj@yukon-news.com