Sexual Assault Reported On Villanova's Campus

VILLANOVA, PA – A sexual assault was reported on Villanova University's campus recently and school officials are alerting the community to the incident.

The school issued an alert Tuesday to students, faculty staff, reporting that a sexual assault occurred in one of the school's residence halls recently.

University officials said the report of the assault came in on Dec. 11.

The victim knew the suspect, but the university and local police are unfamiliar with the suspect.

"Villanova University does not tolerate sexual assault or sexual violence in any form," the university said in its alert to the community. "Sexual assault is a violation of the University’s Code of Student Conduct, of Pennsylvania law, and of federal Title IX prohibitions."

The alert says sexual assault at the school can result in criminal punishment, as well as punishment by the university.

"Even when prosecution under state law is not pursued, the University may still pursue disciplinary action through its own channels, whether the alleged sexual violence occurred on or off campus," the alert says "Students who are found responsible for an act of sexual violence under the University’s Policy will be suspended or expelled from the University."

Students who experience or witness sexual assault or sexual violence are urged to call the university;s public safety department at (610) 519-4444 or contact the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator at (484) 343-6028

The school provided a list of facts to know about sexual assault. See them below:

• Sexual activity without consent is sexual violence. Consent is active, with all parties fully conscious and clearly communicating their intention to engage in any sexual activity.
• Alcohol and drugs may incapacitate or impair a person’s ability to give meaningful consent.
• Intoxication of the person alleged to have committed the assault is never a defense.
• Villanova is committed to supporting the rights of a person reporting an incident of sexual violence to make an informed choice among options and services available.
• Support is also available to any student accused of sexual violence.

Information on sexual violence is available on Villanova's website here.

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