Villanova investigates sexual assault reports
RADNOR » Officials at Villanova University are investigating reports of five recent sexual assaults on campus.
According to a campus security alert sent out Wednesday, on March 1, the university received reports from four female students that they were sexually assaulted by the same male student inside resident halls. The reports indicated that each of the women knew the alleged attacker.
The complaints ranged from non-consensual touching to sexual intercourse.
“The University takes all reports of sexual assault extremely seriously and investigates allegations as quickly and thoroughly as possible to ensure fairness to all parties. As soon as these reports were made, Villanova immediately launched an investigation, and, currently, the male student is not on campus. As there is an ongoing investigation, the University cannot comment further on this matter,” the university said in a statement.
The fifth alleged incident occurred a few days earlier when on Feb. 28, Villanova Public Safety was contacted by staff at the Bryn Mawr Hospital Emergency Department. The female student, who declined to be identified, was treated for a sexual assault perpetrated by a male she knew. The male was not identified, and it remains unknown whether he is a student.
The incident occurred at an unknown location on Villanova’s campus sometime between Feb. 26 and Feb. 28.
Villanova officials said in sending the alert, they wanted to provide information to the students, facility, and staff about the incidents. They were also trying to balance the privacy of the parties involved and the safety of the public.
The alert also provided
information on resources to report a sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct. Public Safety can be reached at 610-519-5800, the Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Ryan Rost, can be reached at 610-5198805, or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Late Thursday, Radnor police issued a statement indicating they did not believe there was a danger to the public.
“Villanova University Department
of Public Safety has primary jurisdiction over this matter. At this time, the university has not requested assistance from Radnor Township Police Department. Following information received and communication with the university, Radnor Police Department believes the Radnor Township community is safe,” Radnor police said in a statement issued Thursday.