The Times- Groped student reprimanded for naming abuser

Groped student reprimanded for naming abuser 

"A woman who named and shamed a fellow student after he allegedly sexually assaulted her has been punished by the University of Edinburgh.

The first-year student, who has requested anonymity, posted a photograph and name of a man — alongside text messages he had sent to her — on social media, alleging that he groped her. She claimed that she had been left traumatised by the incident and insisted that other women deserved to be warned.

The man at the centre of the allegations admitted that he had touched her inappropriately and claimed he had apologised for doing so.

Despite this, the university launched an investigation which found the woman had harassed him.

The female student has posted a copy of an email, which stated that she had been found guilty of misconduct.

It stated: “The posting of a number of private messages between yourself and [the male student] on social media has had a significant impact on him and has resulted in him being harassed on social media and, ultimately, closing down his accounts.

“I acknowledge that your mitigation statement sets out that you had no intention to harass him and instead wished to call out his inappropriate conduct.”

The woman was informed she would receive a formal reprimand.

The email stated: “I consider that your conduct amounts to harassment.

“However, I do accept that his behaviour is a factor in your conduct. I would urge you to think carefully before using social media in the future to post private messages. I say this not to diminish your experience, but to ask you to reflect on the most appropriate way to share any concerns you have about the conduct of the other student.”

The woman, who did not raise a formal complaint against the male student until after he complained to the university about her actions, insists she has no regrets.

“I have received dozens of messages from girls who have thanked me for being so open because it allowed them to come to terms with what happened to them, and feel confident and safe to open up about their experiences with sexual assault,” she told The Tab, a student website. “When I got assaulted, it affected my mental health.

“Despite how horribly the university has treated me and responded to my allegations, I have come out from this situation inspired to help give survivors a voice.”

The male student admitted that he touched the woman’s bottom “for a very quick moment”.

“I’ve had my arse grabbed many times while in Edinburgh as well,” he told The Tab. “But no one will care about that because I’m a man.”

The woman was informed that her allegation of misconduct against the male student was upheld, but was not told what sanction was taken against him. The Times understands he has now left the university.

The university said that it did not comment on individual cases of misconduct.

A spokesman previously said: “We take all complaints about any students or staff members seriously, and deal with any incidents that are brought to our attention in a sensitive manner.”"