'It's kind of terrifying': Female students at Fanshawe rattled by online threats of sexual assault
Some female students at Fanshawe College say they’re living in fear this week as online threats make the rounds on social media.
“It’s kind of terrifying. I don’t really want to leave the house by myself,” said student Montana Labradore.
She was joined on campus Thursday by another student, who chose not to share her name, but told CTV News London she too is scared.
“Feels weird to walk around alone now. That’s one thing, we’re definitely making sure we’re staying together. At least for this week.”
The college says campus security is working with London police to identify individuals involved in online threats against female students.
Using vulgar language, an anonymous poster on the social media platform Discord threatened to drug and sexually assault female students at two on-campus bars, Outback Shack and Oasis.
“Oh it’s disgusting,” added Labradore.
It comes in the wake of unconfirmed online allegations at Western University that up to 30 female students were drugged and sexually assaulted, in addition to three formal allegations of sexual assault at the university.
The incidents at Western have not been lost on third-year Fanshawe student Brynna Kirkland.
“Honestly I’m terrified to even step outside of my house. It’s nothing new, but it’s extra prominent lately. There’s fear going to the grocery store, and I have to go to the bank today and I have a whole group of friends coming with me ‘cause it’s just…even something like that is too scary for us right now.”
Fanshawe College said in a statement that it’s encouraging students to “remain diligent and alert in social settings.”
Fanshawe students Margaret Nahwegezhic and Cary Kechego tell CTV News London this is all news to them.
“It’s kind of, like I said, disturbing because it’s not being brought forth. Like I haven’t heard about it at all,” said Kechego.
“It’s not being mentioned in the classrooms or anything like that. We hadn’t heard about it at all,” added Nahwegezhic.
The college said it’s offering support sessions to students, and providing extra security at campus bars.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.