Hate crime occured at anti-violence march in Hamilton: police

An assault reported at the Take Back the Night march was a hate crime, according to Hamilton Police.

The incident, caught on video, happened at the Take Back The Night march on Sept. 21 around 8:25 p.m.

The annual march, organized by SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area) aims end sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms.

The video shared by participant Jelena Vermilion shows a man grabbing a sex work banner as the march walked past FirstOntario Concert Hall in downtown Hamilton.

The man drops the banner but Vermilion picks it up from the street. The man then takes it back, a struggle ensues, and Vermilion falls to the ground. The man pulls her along the road before dropping the banner and walking off.

Hamilton Police charged a man in connection with the assault on Sept. 22. At that time police said the Hate Crime Unit was reviewing the incident.

Today (Oct. 6), police announced that the incident is classified as a hate crime.

A 29-year-old man faces assault charges. Police haven’t named the man charged.

Anyone with information on this crime should contact Division One Staff Sergeant at 905-546-4725.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com