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Villanova student reports sexual assault on campus by rideshare driver, university says

By and
Published  September 21, 2024 12:12pm EDT
Crime & Public Safety
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Female Villanova student reports she was assaulted by rideshare driver

A female Villanova student reported to campus officials she was raped by a rideshare driver after he dropped her off near a dormitory on campus.

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Students on Villanova’s campus are on alert after a student tells officials she was raped by an Uber driver.

The university sent a notification to the student body Friday evening.

They said a female student told them in the late hours of September 13th into early morning September 14th, she was raped by a male Uber driver in the Commons residence hall complex.

She stated that she was dropped off by the driver and went into the dormitory. The driver walked in after her and assaulted her.

The alert said Villanova police have identified the driver and that driver has been banned from the campus. They also told Uber about the assault.

Officials with the university went on to say the student has received support services.

No information was provided as to whether the identified driver has been arrested or if any legal action has been taken.

Villanova University police continue to investigate the incident.

For safety purposes, the university is advising students to use the buddy system and to download the Nova Safe app to communicate directly with public safety dispatchers.

Additionally, always remember that sexual assault is never the fault of the victim and the only person responsible for sexual assault is the perpetrator.

Rideshare Safety Tips:

  • Always remain vigilant and aware of the surroundings.
  • Minimize how much time you’re standing outside by yourself with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait inside until the app shows that your driver has arrived.
  • Every time you take a trip, please make sure you’re getting into the right car with the right driver by matching the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with what’s provided in your app.
  • Whenever possible, sit in the back seat, especially if you’re riding alone. This helps ensure that you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle to avoid moving traffic, and it gives you and your driver some personal space.
  • While you are on your trip share your trip details through the rideshare app, with the Nova Safe App or via sharing location on your cellular phone with a friend or family member.