What happened to the 18-year-old survivor in Brandon?

The 18-year-old survivor was severely assaulted, suffering a fractured skull and brain bleeding, but is now described as a 'walking miracle' after emergency brain surgery.

Why did the community rally in Brandon?

The community rallied to support an 18-year-old survivor of intimate partner violence and to raise awareness about the epidemic of such violence in Manitoba.

What is Manitoba's rate of intimate partner violence?

Manitoba has the second-highest rate of police-reported intimate partner violence among Canadian provinces.

Home / Crime and Justice / Brandon Survivor's Rally: 'Never Suffer in Silence'

Brandon Survivor's Rally: 'Never Suffer in Silence'

21 Mar

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Summary

Community rallies for intimate partner violence survivors.
An 18-year-old victim of assault is hailed as a miracle.
Manitoba has second-highest rate of reported intimate partner violence.

Approximately a hundred people gathered on the Brandon University campus to support an 18-year-old survivor of intimate partner violence. This rally took place just over a week after the young woman was severely assaulted.

The survivor, Alexis Bukarz, expressed feeling supported and encouraged other young women to speak their truth without fear. Brandon police confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old man in connection with the March 12 assault, which left the victim hospitalized in serious condition.

Alexis's mother shared that her daughter suffered a fractured skull and brain bleeding, requiring emergency airlift to Winnipeg for brain surgery. Doctors described her recovery as miraculous given the severity of her traumatic brain injury.