A mother of two young children says she has filed a police complaint after being verbally abused by anti-mask protesters last weekend.
Leanna Hill was waiting in line for her bread purchase with her two sons, ages six and eight, on the sidewalk outside Crust Bakery on Fort Street last Saturday afternoon when a group protesting mask-wearing passed by waving placards.
Hill said about five members of the group, which numbered about 25 individuals, seemed to single her out, as she was the only person in the lineup with children.
“They said hurtful insults like: ‘You are a terrible mother’ and ‘Take the masks off your children,’ ” said Hill, 38.
“I was up against the wall and there was nowhere to run. The abuse didn’t last long, but it felt like an eternity.”
Staff at Crust Bakery ushered her inside as the group continued down the street.
Hill was shaken by the incident, but says she was more concerned for her children.
“My youngest, who is six years old, expressed worry that the mob knew who he was and would return to harm him,” said Hill, who has lived in the city for a dozen years.
“While I believe that it is everybody’s democratic right to protest, there is no place for thuggery.”
She said she has filed a complaint with the Victoria Police Department.
Bowen Osoko, spokesman for the VicPD, said complaints about anti-mask protest gatherings have been steady.
Though there might not be a police presence at every event, police are often aware that they are taking place, he said.
Osoko encouraged people to report concerns, as Hill did.
“If we receive a series of complaints from individuals about an event, it gives us more reasons to address resources to it,” said Osoko.
Anyone experiencing a threat of violence or concerned for their safety should call 911, he said.
parrais@timescolonist.com