Mother reports Gander allegation to RCMP

http://www.vocm.com/news-info.asp?id=36597

Police Investigate Hazing Incident in Gander
June 4, 2009

The RCMP are investigating an alleged hazing incident in Gander. It happened last Friday at an outdoor party and involved a Grade 9 student being paddled several times by a group of at least five Grade 12 students. Police say they used what appeared to be a hockey goalie stick with holes drilled in it. Sgt. Wayne Newell says the boy was reluctant to report the incident to police, but his mother convinced him to do so Wednesday. Newell says the boy won't provide all the details but it appears to have been a type of initiation. or hazing ritual where a person enters senior high school. The matter has been reported to Child, Youth and Family Services. Newell says no charges have been laid, and the boy may have a fear of repercussion. He says there were other Grade 9 students who may have been hazed but police haven't received additional reports.

Probation for St. Albert's hazers. Authorities support victims

2 of 14 students involved in hazing get probation
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | 12:40 PM MT
CBC News

Two students from St. Albert who admitted beating younger students with homemade paddles, goalie sticks and cricket bats as part of a hazing ritual were sentenced to four months' probation on Tuesday.

The two teenaged boys also must write letters of apology and 1,000-word essays on how the community, northwest of Edmonton, can stop the practice of "froshing."

RCMP in St. Albert say they're satisfied with the sentences given to the teens.

"It makes people aware that if something like this does happen to them, that we support them and take the matter seriously and they should come forward to the police," Const. Janice Schoep said.

RCMP have developed an education campaign that includes a brochure on froshing, Schoep said. The brochure, which was widely distributed in the community and to schools, refers to the action as assault, she said.

The sentences handed out to these boys will also send a message that froshing is unacceptable, Schoep said.

A total of 14 teens, all 15 and 16 at the time, were charged in the attacks, which took place in May and June 2008.

RCMP said as many as eight victims were assaulted, leaving them with bruises and bleeding, broken skin on their upper legs and buttocks.