St Andrews to root out sexual violence in wake of fraternity scandal

THE University of St Andrews has appointed a senior member of staff to root out sexual violence in the wake of a Daily Telegraph investigation into an American-style fraternity.

The move has come in direct response to more than 100 claims of rape and sexual assault, with at least a dozen levelled at members of the allmale Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPI) society.

Police are now liaising with the university and encouraging victims to come forwards and provide them with details of their attackers so they can launch a formal investigation.

The new role will be undertaken by the university’s head of wellbeing, who is also chair of the its Equally Safe committee, a Scottish Government strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.

A university spokeswoman told The Telegraph: “A senior member of staff has been appointed to meet student leaders, including the St Andrews Survivors

society representatives and the student sabbatical officer for wellbeing, to discuss issues around culture and social responsibility, learn more about student concerns and ensure they help inform positive action. Meanwhile, we are working closely with Police Scotland, local services and student representatives.” Police Scotland said it continues to work with St Andrews after reports made online relating to claims of serious sexual assaults. To date, no reports have been made to Police Scotland.

Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for North East Fife, called for the fraternity to identify those implicated in the allegations. “This is not an issue for Alpha Epsilon Pi to resolve themselves,” he said.

Yesterday, the fraternity deleted nearly all of its Facebook history, which included photos from parties and profiles of their members. The only post left is the letter in which it said the claims made against members are abhorrent and are being taken very seriously.