For immediate Release: ABBOTSFORD, BC: March 28, 2018 14:28 pm

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has reported two incidents of unwanted sexual touching that occurred on the university’s Abbotsford campus to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) who have issued a request for public assistance on this matter today.

On Tuesday, March 20, UFV security was notified of an incident that occurred in a men’s washroom and that involved a male victim and a male perpetrator. After the assault, a brief altercation between the victim and the suspect occurred and the suspect fled on foot, eventually leaving the campus on a BC Transit bus.

University Security attended to the victim who was not physically harmed and UFV reported the incident immediately to the Abbotsford Police Department on the victim’s behalf. The victim has been offered counselling and support services and the university is working with the Abbotsford Police Department to investigate this incident.

The following day, Wednesday, March 21, UFV sent email messages directly to all students, faculty, and staff making them aware of this incident, providing safety resources, and asking for anyone who knew more to come forward.

As a result of this university-wide communication, a second male came forward on Friday, March 23 indicating he was also the victim of similar unwanted touching. This incident pre-dated the March 20 incident and was nearly identical in pattern.

The APD and UFV Security are collaborating extensively on this ongoing investigation. UFV will continue to work with the police and has provided detailed and important identifying information regarding a person of interest in these incidents.

As a precaution, security patrols in the area where the incidents occurred have been increased.

UFV is committed to providing a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University of the Fraser Valley. UFV Students have been reminded to review UFV Security tips and to visit the university Safe Student Community website for further information and resources.

If you can provide further information regarding these, or other incidents, please contact UFV Security at 1.855.239.7654 or email SecurityOperationCentre@ufv.ca

You may also contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or #222973 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or report online at solvecrime.ca.

Media may contact Dave Pinton, Director of Communications, UFV at dave.pinton@ufv.ca or 778.808.5661

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