Western College is investigating a number of reviews of sexual violence that are alleged to have occurred over the weekend as orientation week wound down.
“We’ve taken some fast steps to make sure pupil security, together with an elevated presence of particular constables on campus and an elevated presence of employees and safety within the residences,” mentioned Chris Alleyne, certainly one of Western’s vice-presidents, in a press release.
“I wish to be very clear: sexual violence is not going to be tolerated. Nothing is extra vital than the protection and welfare of our campus neighborhood. As a part of Western’s coverage on gender-based and sexual violence, we assess and act instantly on any reviews of sexual violence.”
There are lots of reviews in regards to the violence on social media, however CBC Information has not been capable of confirm these reviews.
The college is attempting to talk on to college students in residence and is encouraging folks to come back ahead with any info they may have.
The Western Gazette, the college’s pupil newspaper, reported that the sexual violence concerned college students dwelling in Medway-Sydenham Corridor.
As of Sunday afternoon, London police was not concerned within the investigation, a police spokesperson mentioned.
As of Sunday evening, there had been no formal report or grievance beneath its gender-based and sexual violence coverage, Alleyne mentioned.
College students given coaching
The varsity’s coverage states that anybody who commits an act of gender-based or sexual violence “shall be held accountable in a way that acknowledges the dignity and desires of the survivor, the well being and security of members of the college neighborhood and the academic mission of the college.”
College students can file an official grievance or request help after disclosing sexual violence, the coverage states.
First-year college students got “in depth sexual violence training and prevention programming” throughout orientation week. Residence employees and Sophs — upper-year college students who assist lead orientation week actions — have been educated on the sexual violence coverage and procedures for college students who disclose an incident.
“Gender-based and sexual violence is a part of a broader societal challenge — of which universities are an element — and Western’s dedication to combating it requires fast and collective motion from throughout our campus neighborhood,” Alleyne mentioned.
