String Of Sexual Assaults Reported On Villanova Campus

RADNOR, PA — Five women on Villanova University's campus reported being sexually assaulted and four of the women said they knew their attacker, as the university said it is investigating the reports.

A public safety alert sent out to the Villanova University community said four female students on March 1 reported being sexually assaulted by the same male student in their residence hall on campus.

The alert said the women all reported they knew their attacker, according to a news release issued by Radnor Township officials. The University reported that upon receiving the reports, it "immediately began an investigation and the male student is no longer on campus."

University safety officials reported the "complaints ranged from non-consensual sexual touching to non-consensual sexual intercourse."

The four assaults reported March 1 are among five reported within a week, officials said.

Radnor Township notified residents that another incident reportedly happened between Feb. 26 and Feb. 28. The Villanova University Department of Public Safety said it was notified by the Bryn Mawr Hospital Emergency Department that "a female student, who declined to be identified, was treated for a sexual assault committed by a male known to her."

University Public Safety officials said of the alleged attacker in the fifth report, "The male has not been identified to us; it is unknown at the present time whether he is a student," according to Radnor Township's news release.

Radnor Township issued a statement Thursday afternoon extending "Our deepest condolences to those impacted by these concerning events. To our community, we share in your concern and we are committed to the health and well-being of everyone in Radnor Township."

Villanova University Department of Public Safety has primary jurisdiction over this matter, Radnor Township explained in its news release.

"At this time, the University has not requested assistance from Radnor Township Police Department," township officials said.

Radnor Township also told residents, "Following information received and communication with the University, Radnor Police Department believes the Radnor Township community is safe."

Students are also urged to report any sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct, call University Public Safety at 610-519-5800.

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