Pugwash rallies for intimate partner violence survivor

I just could have never anticipated this turnout. It's been like overwhelming, but in the best way. The community center in Pugwash was packed on Sunday with people who came to show their support for Jesse Vanderweel. Last month, she took the unusual step of having a judge lift the publication ban on her name so she could talk freely about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner, Noah Jamieson. He's serving a prison term for several charges, including aggravated sexual assault Her story prompted politicians in northern Nova Scotia to organize this gathering. I'm absolutely overwhelmed. I didn't, I don't know that any of us imagined how many people would show up today and unfortunately I didn't count but there was a lineup out to the street and beyond for a good amount of time so yeah I think I'm just very overwhelmed in a positive way. Independent MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin was part of Sunday's event. She was also in the courtroom last month when Jamieson was sentenced. It probably was the most disturbing thing I've ever heard and experienced in my lifetime, and I will be forever impacted. I think all of us that were there that day really had, we have no choice but to take that experience and take the injustice that has happened for this young woman. And be motivated, use it to motivate change. The crowd signed petitions calling on the federal and Nova Scotia justice ministers to look at more supports and greater protection for victims of intimate partner violence. They also signed cards for Jessie herself. I could have never anticipated when I lifted my publication ban to see so many good men and women stand behind me and say like enough is enough. It's been a really dark time but I see a lot of light around me. A lot of light and positivity, and I'm going to keep looking towards that in times of darkness. And, yeah, I just feel like this will be a big turning point. Blair Rhodes, CBC News, Halifax.