-By Noah Abel/CJDC News
The community of Fort St. John has been rocked with the tragic death of a local teenage girl.
The heart-broken mother, Elisha Waldie, is speaking out after her daughter, Alexis Dawn, took her own life.
Elisha says her daughter died by suicide after she came forward about a sexual assault.
“Her trust was betrayed. She wanted so deeply to have the actions of the man that broke her trust to be rectified,” Alexis’ mother said.
The family tried to pursue charges through the RCMP, then contacted the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Elisha says crown prosecutors declined to approve charges, saying the case didn’t meet the requirements to charge the man in question.
The mother claims a number of girls also reported abuse, but says some reported experiences weren’t included in the investigation.
Elisha says Alexis was well aware of the love and support of her mother.
However, Elisha alleges, her daughter was publicly shamed for speaking out.
She explains that her daughter could not handle the stigma of being humiliated by the community she was raised in, and she felt isolated.
Elisha describes Alexis as happy, healthy, social, beautiful, and a bright light.
She adds that Alexis did not show any warning signs prior to taking her own life.
The mother spoke of her grief and anger, saying her daughter carried the pain quietly.
Elisha says the system is failing survivors of sexual abuse and drives young victims to suicide.
The community of Fort St. John has also been shaken by the loss of another local youth over the holidays.
“The Fort St. John Hockey community is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of one of our treasured minor hockey players,” Fort St. John Minor Hockey said on social media.
Northern Health said in a statement, they are aware of the recent tragic events in the region.
“Northern Health is working closely with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Children and Family Development, along with school district and community service provider partners to ensure coordination of on-the-ground resources to support youth and families,” the health authority said.
Northern Health added that it wants to increased awareness about mental health and on how to access support.
Northern BC residents struggling with mental health can get help by calling 310 Mental Health Support at 310-6789.
Northern BC residents struggling with mental health can get help by calling 310 Mental Health Support at 310-6789.
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