Western University Says It Is Investigating Reported Sexual Violence At Student Residence
"We want our campus community to know that complaints submitted will be thoroughly investigated."
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Allegations of sexual violence at Western University are currently being investigated, according to a tweet posted by the university on September 12.
In the tweet, the school stated that "#WesternU takes swift and immediate action related to gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) allegations. We want our campus community to know that complaints submitted will be thoroughly investigated."
#WesternU takes swift and immediate action related to gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) allegations. We want our campus community to know that complaints submitted will be thoroughly investigated.
— Western University (@WesternU) September 12, 2021
In a statement to Narcity, Chris Alleyne, associate vice president of housing and ancillary services, said they have increased security in residences in response to the reports.
"We are very troubled by the incidents reported over social media this past weekend. We are working hard to clarify and confirm these reports. So far, we have received very little information related to these reports, and we're asking anyone with more details to come forward to Western or London Police Services," he said in the statement.
"Western has received four formal complaints of sexual violence from students over the past week. We have taken swift and strong action in these cases, including facilitating arrest and removing students from residence while investigations continue."
"I can't emphasize enough that sexual violence will never be tolerated at Western. We will continue to take action on every disclosure and complaint."*
Student newspaper Western Gazette reported an email sent from Jacob Clarke, the residence life coordinator, on September 11 addressed alleged incidents of "gender-based or sexual violence" taking place in student residence Medway-Sydenham Hall.
"I am writing to you as you may have heard rumours regarding incidents of gender-based or sexual violence in Med-Syd. We are currently following up with information that has come forward and will be utilizing campus and community resources such as Campus Safety and Emergency Services and London Police Services as needed. We wish to ensure that follow up occurs with anyone who has experienced harm."
Clarke went on to list resources for students to utilize and encouraged anyone who "witnessed an incident of gender-based violence [...] to share information by emailing rlc_medsyd@uwo.ca."
Western University's orientation week concluded Sunday and ran from September 6 to September 12.
*This article has been updated to include a statement from Chris Alleyne.