Laval University 'wholeheartedly' sides with victims after reports of sexual touching

Laval University is condemningaseries of assaults reportedFriday overnight at one of its residences, some of which Quebec City police say were of a sexual nature.

Ten people filed reports with police regarding incidents involvingat least one suspect, a man in his twenties who was roaming the hallways of Alphonse-Marie-Parentresidence andknockingon doors.

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The allegedincidents, reported mostly bywomen, included fourcomplaintsof a sexual nature, ranging fromsexual touching to assault, as well ascomplaints of breaking and entering.

''Right now we are looking for one suspect. We are trying to find a better description, but for now we have conflicting testimonies," saidConst.Pierre Poirier, a spokesman for Quebec City police.

Students 'followed' into residence

One studentwho saidhe isfriends withsome of the alleged victimssaid the university hasto do a better job of monitoring who goesin and out of the residences.

''They told me people followed them inside, and they started knocking on their doors at around 4 or5 a.m.They stayed there 5 [to]10 minutes, asking, 'Can we come in and spend a moment together?'"said chemical engineering student Philbert Bagilimana.

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The complainants were"feeling bad" after the incidents but were doing better with help from friends,Bagilimanasaid.

Students worryabout their safety

A sign in support of the allegedvictims could be seen taped to the door at the entrance of theAlphonse-Marie-Parentresidence Monday morning.

"We are with you. You are not alone.Hold on," it read, in French.

The sign included a translation of aquote from the widely shared courtroom statement ofthe victim in the Stanford University sexual assault case. StudentBrockTurner, convicted in thatcase, served just three months of asix-month sentence.

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The incident has left some students at Laval University second-guessing their safety on campus.

"I was very shockedand very saddened by the news. I've always felt very safe here, and I think it's a shame that it happened here. I'll definitely be more careful, and close my door and watch my back," saidVictoireCoraly, a master's student who has lived in residence since 2012.

University residence now under 24/7 surveillance

The university saidit has tightened security, andall four residences on campus arenow being monitored24/7 by security guards.

Police are working with security on campusand reviewing security cameras in the entry way and hallways.

Students have also received anemailreminding them tolock their doors and be vigilant.

"We are wholeheartedly with the victims," university spokeswomanAndre-Anne Stewart told reporters Monday morning,adding thatpsychological support wasmade available to them.

An emotional Stewart, speaking"as a former student and as a young woman," encouraged others who wanted to talk about the incidentstoseek support from the university's resources.

"Really, this affects us."

Quebec City police areaskingwitnesses who have more information to reach to them at 418-641-2447.

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