The University has been deeply saddened by the reports of a series of sexual assaults committed in the West End of Glasgow and the effect that they have had on members of the University community.

As the Police Scotland statement below indicates, an arrest has been made and an individual is being held pending trial; the Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the recent incidents. Even so, we want all students and staff to feel safe and supported. The purpose of this message is to set out the actions we have taken so far and to make you aware of activity and resources already in place or under development.

Campus Safety
If you ever have any concerns on or around campus you can contact our Security team. They are available 24/7 on 0141 330 4444 at Gilmorehill and 0141 330 2222 at Garscube. We would suggest that you put these numbers on speed dial on your phone.

We have improved lighting in darker areas and completed upgrades around the main building on our Gilmorehill campus, including in the quads and on Dumbarton Way. We have installed new lighting around the Library, including new, brighter LED lights on the path between the Library and the Adam Smith Building. Further improvements are planned.

If you are concerned about the lighting in an area on campus, please raise a line with the Estates Helpdesk and if you include ‘lighting’ in the email title it will be dealt with as a priority. If you feel unsafe due to a lack of lighting, contact 4444 and a member of our Security team will assist you.

We have introduced additional high visibility security patrols, both on foot and in marked University vehicles. We are also preparing to implement the new SafeZone app, which will connect students and staff with Campus Security. More information on this will follow.

We have given out 800 personal alarms; more are currently on order. These will be available from the cleaning section at the Isabella Elder Building, from the University Library and from the SRC. Alternative arrangements will be put in place for the Garscube and Dumfries campuses.

We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and regularly review campus safety.

Support and advice
Support is available for anyone in our UofG community affected by sexual violence or assault. We have a team of First Responders, who can listen to you empathetically and without judgement. To find out more and contact a First Responder, visit MyGlasgow First Responders.

Details of other support available both within and outside of the University is available on the MyGlasgow Sexual Violence and Harassment webpages. Further information for staff is available on our Dignity at Work and Study pages.

We take a survivor-led approach and, if you wish to report anything relating to any form of violence or harassment, you can use the online Report and Support form, contact our security team on 0141 330 4282 or speak to Police Scotland on 101 at any time. And if you want to talk about your experience and how it has affected you, you may request an appointment with our counselling service or log onto the www.bigwhitewall.com support community.

Please be assured that we are here to help and support you – the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our University community is our top priority.

Police Scotland statement issued on Thursday, 21 November

Man charged with sexual assaults in the West End of Glasgow

Detective Inspector Suzanne McNulty of the Public Protection Unit in Govan said: “Officers in Glasgow carried out enquiries following a report three woman had been the victim of sexual assaults in the West End between 17 and 31 October.

“Extensive enquires were ongoing into these incidents which were linked following information which came to light following the third attack.

“A 34-year-old man was arrested on the 2 November and has now been charged in connection with two sexual assaults on 17 and 24 October, and a serious sexual assault on 31 October.

"He was due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, 21 November, 2019.

“In every serious crime reported to police, officers carefully consider whether or not it is appropriate to proactively make the circumstances public.

“This is continually assessed throughout the investigation to ensure the safety of victims and the wider public is protected.

“We will continue to liaise with Glasgow University and the surrounding communities as part of our continued investigations into this.”

First published: 22 November 2019

<< 25 November, 2019