The mayor of a small Ontario city has called the sexual assault of a young child in the community a “horrific act” that was “impossible to fathom.”
Welland Mayor Frank Campion made the comments in connection to an Aug. 30-31 incident in a home near Crowland Avenue and York Street.
Niagara police said a man broke into the home and attacked the child, who they said is under 5 years old.
Campion said that the incident “shakes every parent to their core.”
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain this family is living through. The love and compassion we have for our children, and our concern for their well-being, is beyond words,” he wrote in a Sept. 3 statement.
Campion expressed “deepest sorrow and support” for the child and family involved on behalf of the city.
“To the family, please know that your privacy, safety, and healing are of the utmost importance, and you have the unwavering support of your community,” he wrote in the statement.
Campion added that act of violence had “shaken our city to its core.”
“It goes against everything Welland stands for, and we will not tolerate it. Together, as neighbours, parents, and friends, we must remain united and do all we can to protect our children and each other.”
“After speaking with the child’s parents, it became apparent an unknown person defeated the lock on the front door and entered the residence,” police said in a news release.
“While inside the residence, unbeknownst to the parents, their child was sexually assaulted.”
Police said that the child was “suffering from serious injuries” and was taken to an out-of-region hospital for advanced medical care. They added that as of Sept. 1, the child was in hospital in stable condition.
Police have arrested and charged Daniel Senecal, 25, in the case. He was identified as a suspect after a witness provided video surveillance of the general area, Niagara police said.
The charges include aggravated sexual assault on a person under 16 years, assault, assault/choking, break and enter, and sexual interference with a person under 16 years of age.
Senecal was previously charged in 2021 with sexual assault of a minor, sexual interference of a minor and choking, according to media reports. He was given an 18-month jail sentence.
Detectives from the Child Abuse Unit will be leading the investigation, according to police. They will be supported by detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit and Forensic Services Unit.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the lead detective at (905) 688-4111, option #3, extension 1009898, or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.
The incident comes as Conservatives have called on the federal government for changes to the Criminal Code regarding defence of one’s own home.
Liberal Minister of Justice Sean Fraser has said that the government will introduce bail reform legislation that will crack down on violent crime.
Noé Chartier contributed to this article.
