Letter from the vice-chancellor on sexual violence
Released: 18h50, 17 November 2015
17 November 2015
Dear colleagues and students
On Sunday night an awful incident allegedly took place at Avenue Hall where, over many months, students who have been driving various campaigns for greater inclusivity and transformation have been congregating. One of the calls for transformation from these student formations is #PatriarchyMustFall.
So it is deeply concerning that a UCT student was alleged to have been raped or sexually assaulted in Avenue Hall early Monday morning. It reminds us that even in a space where there is heightened sensitivity and understanding about these matters, the scourge of violence and abuse happens. Whilst this is one incident, we know our society is one where the rape, assault and murder of people (and particularly woman and children) is a common practice.