London Police Investigates Allegations of Sexual Assault at Western University

London Police Service Update on Ongoing Investigations at Western University

UPDATE: LONDON, ON (October 1, 2021) - Over the course of two days during the week of September 13, 2021, Detectives with the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section, assisted by members of the Western Special Constable Service, attended Medway-Sydenham Hall to speak to students to determine if there were any victims and witnesses regarding incidents which came to light via social media, offer an opportunity to disclose/report, and provide information and support.

Our investigators were also supported in their efforts by Western University Residence staff, including student resident assistants, or “dons” within Medway-Sydenham Hall who were provided with additional information to distribute to any person seeking guidance about reporting an incident. The on-site support provided by these individuals proved instrumental in helping us reach as many residents directly and in person as possible, and in facilitating communication between the London Police Service and individual students. This partnership resulted in direct contact with over 600 students.

To date, the London Police Service has received no formal reports of a Medway-Sydenham Hall resident being drugged and sexually assaulted and therefore, we have been unable to substantiate information circulated in social media posts about widespread incidents of that nature.  

However, we understand that individuals experience inflicted trauma in ways that are unique to them alone, and that there is no “standard” response on the part of victims and survivors to sexual violence. Victims and survivors of sexual assault are not obligated to participate in a police investigation. Likewise, we know that, for a variety of well-documented reasons, incidents of sexual violence are generally underreported, and that victims and survivors who were initially reluctant to report may decide to come forward with their disclosure at a later date. With this in mind, our investigation into allegations of incidents of sexual violence at Medway-Sydenham Hall remains open.

The London Police Service is committed to thoroughly investigating all complaints of sexual assault, whether reported to us directly or referred to us through a third party. Further, along with our community partners, we will fully support those who come forward. We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report the incident to police so that the matter can be investigated.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To provide information about a sexual assault, or to make a report, contact the London Police Service at 519-661-5670. Western University students may also make a report to the Western Special Constable Service at 519-661-3300, ext. 8330. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Please visit this link to our webpage for victims/survivors of sexual assault. Here you will find information to help you understand how we respond to reports of sexual assault as well as contact information for several resources that are available through partner agencies in the community.

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ORIGINAL RELEASE - LONDON, ON (September 13, 2021) – The London Police Service is aware of information circulating on social media pertaining to a number of sexual assaults alleged to have occurred at Medway-Sydenham Hall over this past weekend. As of this time, we have not received any reports from this weekend involving incidents at Medway-Sydenham Hall.

Given the seriousness of the allegations raised in relation to incidents occurring at Medway-Sydenham Hall, the London Police Service has opened an investigation and we will work collaboratively with Western University to identify and support any victims and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted.

Two reports were received in the week prior pertaining to allegations of sexual assault occurring at other locations on campus. These incidents remain under investigation, and part of that investigation will include examining possible linkages to any unreported incidents.

The London Police Service investigates all allegations of sexual assault in the city, including any incidents at Western University Campus, which are reported to police. If Western University receives such a report, the matter is turned over to the London Police Service immediately for investigation.  

We are committed to thoroughly investigating all complaints of sexual assault whether reported to us directly or referred to us through a third party. Further, along with our community partners, we will fully support those who come forward. We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report the incident to police so that the matter can be fully investigated.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

For media inquiries, contact:

Cst. Scott Mandich
Relief Media Relations Officer
W. 519-661-5410
Email. Media Officer