Laurel Repski, Vice-President Human Resources, Audit and Sustainability
On December 3, 2014, a young woman approached our security to say she had been sexually groped while on an escalator on campus. She contacted Winnipeg police to report the incident immediately.
We take matters of sexual misconduct and assault very seriously on our campus and our first concern is for the wellbeing of the young woman who was involved. We moved quickly to offer her on-campus resources and immediate access to on-campus counselling. We are working closely with her to ensure she gets all the ongoing help she needs.
The young woman was also offered access to Klinic counselling through Klinic’s Sexual Assault Crisis Program, which specializes in sexual assault counselling. We want to commend this student for her bravery. We know many victims of this kind of assault never report the matter to security or police. She has come forward and we know that is difficult and we support her in that decision.
We have video surveillance cameras on campus and our security team was able to obtain video of this assault which we have shared with Winnipeg police.
If you see this individual do not approach him. Contact security immediately.
We know this kind of incident is unsettling to everyone. I want to reiterate that this is a rare occurrence.
We ask students to consider using the buddy system: travel in pairs or groups. We also remind students that we have a Safe Ride and Safe Walk campus program. Call 204-786-9272 if you feel you need a safe escort on or around campus.
Our Key phone numbers:
Police – 911
Campus security: 204-786-6666
Safe ride and walk: 204-786-9272
The University is following the procedures it has in place to respond to and investigate sexual misconduct within our Respectful Learning and Workplace Policy, which applies to everyone on campus – staff, students, faculty and visitors.
WINNIPEG POLICE NEWS RELEASE DECEMBER 4, 2014
On December 3, 2014 at approximately 11:45 a.m., a 23 year-old female was on the University of Winnipeg campus when she observed an unknown suspicious male watching her.
She proceeded to the escalators going from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. As she was approaching the 4th floor, she was groped in the lower body from behind by the unknown male. The suspect then walk past the victim and left the area.
The victim immediately reported the incident to security and police were notified.
The suspect is described as: Male, 22 years-old, dark or tanned complexion, 5’6” tall, heavy build, squinty eyes, clean shaven, wearing a black faded jacket with faded yellow reflective tape on the front.
The investigation is continuing by members of the Division 11 Crime Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6668 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
