University of St Andrews charges staff to root out sexual violence on campus following Telegraph investigation
The University of St Andrews has charged a senior member of staff to root out sexual violence on campus in the wake of a Telegraph investigation into a scandal-hit fraternity.
The move has come as a direct response to more than 100 claims of rape and sexual assault, with at least a dozen levelled at members of Alpha Epsilon Pi - an all male US-style fraternity.
Police are liaising with the university and encouraging victims to come forwards and provide them with details of their attackers so that they can launch a formal investigation.
The new role will be undertaken by the university’s Head of Wellbeing, who is also chair of the University’s Equally Safe Committee.
Equally Safe is the Scottish Government’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
A University spokeswoman told the Telegraph: “A senior member of staff has been appointed to meet with student leaders including St Andrews Survivors, society representatives, and the Student Sabbatical Officer for Wellbeing, to discuss issues around culture and social responsibility, learn more about student concerns, and ensure they help inform positive action.
“Meanwhile we are working closely with Police Scotland, local services and student representatives to ensure we clearly signpost reporting routes and how to access confidential and professional support services.
“Our message remains that the University will always act when incidents are formally reported, and is committed to working collaboratively with students to promote a culture of responsibility and respect, in which everyone can trust in our procedures and that our community is intolerant of all forms of sexual misconduct.”
On Tuesday evening, Police Scotland said they are: “Continuing to work with St Andrews University following reports being made online relating to allegations of serious sexual assaults.
“To date, no reports have been made to Police Scotland.
Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan, from the Fife Division Public Protection Unit, said: “We will always treat reports of sexual offences with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
"Victims will be supported and any reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“I want to encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual crime not to hesitate and to call us on 101 or 999 in emergency. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The fraternity has come under pressure to hand the names of its members over to police.
In a statement earlier this month, the fraternity said it “immediately suspended people who acknowledged any role in the alleged incidents and entered them into Alpha Epsilon Pi's expulsion process.”
This morning, the fraternity deleted nearly all of their Facebook history, which included photos from parties and profiles of their members.
The only post left is the letter in which they say the claims made against them are abhorrent and are being taken very seriously.
But the police say this is not enough to launch a formal enquiry.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for North East Fife Willie Rennie has called for the student fraternity to identify members implicated in the allegations to the police.
“Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) suspended several young men who acknowledged “any role in the alleged incidents”, after details of assaults were published on an Instagram page set up for survivors of sex abuse at St Andrews” he said.
“This is not an issue for AEPi to resolve themselves; it has gone well beyond that.
“If AEPi knows anything about what has gone on and who is involved they must step up and do the right thing.
“These are deeply worrying allegations that deserve a thorough investigation by the authorities and the complainants deserve our full support.”
