A UCD student has told gardai that she was the victim of a sexual assault at UCD’s Belfield campus last Thursday.
It is believed the student in question had been out socialising with her friends on the day the alleged assault took place. The matter is now being investigated by the Donnybrook gardai; however no suspect has been identified and no arrests have yet been made.
A garda spokesman told the Herald:
“Gardai are investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred at UCD on Thursday 24 November between 10am and 11.30pm”
Details of the alleged sexual assault have emerged just days after Maynooth University student Kym Owens was savagely attacked in an unrelated incident a mere 500 metres from her student digs. The eighteen-year-old arts student, who remains in the intensive care unit of Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, has not yet been able to provide a statement to gardai.
Kym’s case had already raised safety concerns amongst UCD students. Emma Casey, who spent five years at the Dublin 4 campus as both an undergraduate and postgraduate student commented that she was shocked by the news:
“It’s scary. I always felt so safe there. I lived close by and had lots of friends who lived in the on-campus halls and apartments. We often walked home late at night. It really is shocking when you think about it – it could have been any one of us.”
Yesterday, UCD Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Mark Rogers, issued an email entitled ‘Campus Safety’ to all students urging them to use the ‘walk safe‘ service. He said that he was aware of a report of an alleged assault on campus has been made to the Gardai but that was the extent of his knowledge on the issue:
“I do not have further information on this matter. However, students have been raising concerns about personal safety on campus – particularly at night. If you are alone and feel uneasy walking out of campus please contact Estate Services and ask for UCD Walk Safe Service before you set off (01 7167000). When working alone in labs, classrooms or offices at night, lock the doors and contact Estate Services to let them know you are alone on 7000 (01 7167000).
If you ever feel in danger do not hesitate to call the University Emergency Line (01 7167999) or the Emergency Services on 1-1-2. If you have information or concerns about students who may need support, please contact your student advisor in confidence.
Donnybrook Garda Station takes responsibility for dealing with criminal activity on Belfield campus. Blackrock Garda Station takes responsibility for Carysfort Campus. Garda investigations are confidential and any students or staff who have been involved in or have knowledge of criminal incidents should contact Donnybrook 01 6669200 or Blackrock 01 6665200.
The University has 24-7 security service on campus and an emergency line 01 7167999. Please take a note of this number.”
Professor Rogers’ cautionary email also provided links to personal safety guidelines, which he encouraged students to share with their friends.
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