Dozens of girls were allegedly assaulted at a Canadian uni, but no one seems to care

Trigger Warning: Details of Sexual Assault and Date Rape

At Western University, a public university in London, Canada, 30 female students were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted over the weekend of Friday, September 10. This incident of "mass assault" is highly shocking, but it appears that local news media outlets, as well as the university itself, have not prioritized the deeply upsetting allegations. Students at Western University have taken to various social media platforms in order to raise awareness about the situation, sharing their experiences of rape and drinks being roofied. On Sunday, the university released a formal statement on Twitter, but action is yet to be taken, 6ix Buzz reports.

"#WesternU takes swift and immediate action related to gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) allegations," the educational institution affirmed in a tweet from its official handle on September 13. "We want our campus community to know that complaints submitted will be thoroughly investigated." The university also shared resources through which victims of sexual assault could get help, including contacting a dedicated GBSV case manager and reaching out to Western’s Special Constable Service or St. Joseph’s Health Care Regional Sexual Assault Program. In addition to this, Chris Alleyne, Western’s associate vice-president of housing and ancillary service, noted that the university had increased the presence of security and special constables on campus and residences in order to protect its students. First-year students were also given “extensive sexual violence education and prevention programming” during orientation week.

Despite the implementation of these security measures, reports from 30 female students who were drugged and sexually assaulted at the university between September 6 and last weekend continue to emerge online. Several of the incidents are believe to have taken place on campus, at Medway-Sydenham Hall. This is a co-ed residential facility at Western University. Home to just over 600 students, it is the third-largest residential hall on campus. It is also the university's oldest residence still operating on campus.

The incidents, which are currently under investigation according to residence life coordinator Jacob Clarke, put a damper on the festivities during orientation week. Notably, members of the student body refused to perform their cheers, and in some cases, did not attend the week's closing ceremonies. Students also held a march to raise awareness about the mass sexual assault incident; During the closing ceremony, dozens of students gathered, chanting, “Western protect our students.” They proceeded to march down University College Hill in silence.

In a statement, The University Students’ Council executive reiterated, "We want to be clear: we stand with survivors of gender-based and sexual violence. We are listening and we are ready to advocate on your behalf. Students deserve to be welcomed back to a campus that is safe for everyone." While the victims await justice, local news media outlets have failed to report on the shocking incident. Members of the student body and faculty have also criticized the university for its lack of swift action, as evidence mounts. If you are a student at Western University, you can file a report through a dedicated GBSV case manager via 519-661-3568 or support@uwo.ca. Those based across the United States can click here for resources.