All students, faculty and staff should be aware that a female student was sexually assaulted in the neighbourhood of Simcoe Street North and Niagara Boulevard in Oshawa, which is within walking distance of campus, during the evening of September 16. The assault was stopped by an unidentified good Samaritan.

The Office of Campus Safety was made aware of the incident today and are now working in partnership with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).

As the safety of everyone in our campus community is of the utmost importance to Durham College and UOIT both the college and university are very concerned about this incident. Most importantly, we are ensuring that our student is fully supported throughout this difficult time.

All students, staff and faculty are being encouraged to follow the safety tips below:

• Avoid walking alone and using shortcuts through unfamiliar, deserted areas;
• Look confident and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone;
• Travel in well-lit areas and away from bushes, doorways and buildings;
• If you have to stay late, move your car closer to a building and by a well-lit area;
• Have your keys ready so you can enter your car or residence quickly;
• Check in and under your vehicle before entering;
• Lock your car as soon as you enter or leave it;
• Keep windows and sunroof closed;
• If you’re on campus late, request an escort to your vehicle or residence through our Safewalk program;
• Look for the blue call lights located in parking lots at the north Oshawa campus. These nine foot poles with blue lights on top have instant contact with security. Once the button is pressed, the call instantly goes to the security desk and activates camera monitoring in your location; and
• Report strange incidents or suspicious behaviour; for example, if someone is loitering near your vehicle, leave immediately and contact Security at 905.721.2000 ext. 2400.

For additional safety tips, please visit http://www.durhamcollege.ca/services/campus-services/campus-safety/be-safe-tips.

If you have any information that may be of assistance in this matter or related to the identity of the good Samaritan, please contact DRPS at 905.579.1520 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS).