“They were yelling at me, telling me to hang out with them, to come over. The more I ignore them, the angrier they got; I could hear it in their voices,” tells Templeton, “I didn’t speed up, as I am walking, they still yelling at me and I can hear them get closer; they crossed the road, got ahead of me, and then crossed the road again, at that point I was scared, so I started running. They chased me down and that’s when they beat me up.”
“I just wanted to get the message across that there are bad people in the world that would do anything for no reason. I wanted to warn people to not walk alone, specially girls because we are the main targets,” she adds.
About 1,300 people shared the post, which received more than 10 comments. Some of the responses were surprising said Templeton.
“A lot of people on that post are saying that I was drunk, or I provoked them, or I said something. I even had someone saying that it was fake news just because there is no news reports,” she tells.
London Police and Campus Security are aware of the incident and an investigation is on-going. However, London Police has not yet sent out a report.
Templeton says that police and campus security have been very supportive and that she wishes incidents like these don’t happen again.
“They gave a portfolio with help lines and crisis lines, also a type of whistle that you pull a string and it makes noise, so if I am out I can take that with me. As well, Fanshawe offered counselling. They were really helpful,” says the victim of assault.
CAMPUS SECURITY SENT OUT SAFETY MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS AFTER ANOTHER SIMILAR INCIDENT
Credit: Campus Security Services – Fanshawe College
Earlier this week, Campus Security sent out safety tips for students to stay safe and aware of their surroundings when travelling on and off-campus.
“Anywhere you go, the college, travelling, downtown, always be aware of your environment. Where you walk, the time of day. Always, walk with a friend, have a phone with you in case of emergency, walk where it’s very lit. It’s basically protecting yourself, as best as you can,” says Ed Pimentel, Campus Security Manager.
They say they’re are aware of the two recent incidents off-campus involving the safety of students. Therefore, they felt the need to re-enforce these tips.
“Students who are not from the area, or it’s their first time away from home, their mind is distracted. A lot of them carry laptops, phones while walking down the street. Students don’t know there is always someone who wants to cause harm, and a thief knows where to go. Youth is the best targeting environment,” adds Pimentel.
Fanshawe offers a Safe Walk program which is only for on-campus walks. As well as, a Stay Safe app that students can make use of.
