Content warning: mentions of sexual assault.
On Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:08PM, Villanova University’s Department of Public Safety shared an email with the student body disclosing a safety alert of a rape reported in the commons. According to the email, the Department of Public received a report of rape by a female resident on the afternoon of Sept. 20. As per the report, the female resident stated that she was raped by a male Uber driver in the Commons residence hall complex during the overnight hours of Sept. 13 to 14.
As explained by the email, Villanova University Police have since identified and contacted the Uber Driver. The driver has been banned from University property as the investigation commences. The incident has additionally been reported to Uber.
In a statement to 6ABC’s Action News, an Uber spokesperson commented, ‘”Sexual assault is a devastating crime that has no place in our society. We are appalled by what’s been described, and banned the driver as soon as this was reported to us. We will assist law enforcement however we can.”
In the email to the Villanova community, Public Safety provided safety tips, links to available support resources on campus and reporting options. The message emphasized the University’s prevention and education initiatives provided.
The University has declined to provide a statement on the incident other than what was shared in the email from Public Safety.
This report follows the recent news of a lawsuit filed against Villanova University regarding a sexual assault that took place in Sheehan Hall. These two events conjoined leaves many students feeling uneasy on campus.
“Before hearing about this, I always considered [the] Commons to be extremely safe because of the door locks,” said a female Commons resident, who requested anonymity. “And, I mean, I should feel safe living on campus. But now given the recent incidents, I am realizing that just because I’m on campus, does not mean I can let my guard down. It’s unfortunate that as women, we have to be on such high alert always. I have had experiences with inappropriate Uber drivers before, but after hearing this story though, I will not be taking an Uber alone anymore.”
This is an ongoing story. As new developments unfold, The Villanovan will provide timely updates.
Sexual assault is an unfortunate but very real issue on college campuses, including Villanova’s. To report a sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct, call Public Safety at 610-519-5800; the Title IX Coordinator Ms. Ryan Rost at 610-519-8805; or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. For more information on support resources, call the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) at 484-343-6028. For more information on Villanova’s sexual misconduct prevention and education efforts, visit: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/sexual-misconduct/education.html. For the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.
