Villanova University Student Raped By Uber Driver Last Week – NBC10 Philadelphia

A Villanova University student was allegedly raped by an Uber driver last weekend, according to a school spokesperson.

The university sent an alert to students on Friday, September 20, to inform them of a report made by the female victim.

School officials said the incident happened inside the Commons residence hall complex on the night of Sept. 13-14.

The student reported that the Uber driver dropped her off at the dorm before entering the building and assaulting her, officials said.

The driver in question was identified and contacted by campus police, authorities said. The driver has since been banned from campus while the investigation continues.

The incident is currently under investigation by Villanova University Police and has been reported to Uber.

For more information about Villanova University’s resources for victims of sexual assault, please click here.

Villanova students and staff have access to the school’s public safety 24/7 and can call the emergency line at 610-519-4444.

The university is partnering with the Delaware County Victim Assistance Center, which can be reached by calling 610-566-4342 or clicking here.

Resources for victims of sexual assault are available from the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.

“Sexual assault is a devastating crime that has no place in our society. We are appalled by what has been described and banned the driver as soon as it was reported to us. We will assist law enforcement in any way we can,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement to NBC10. “We take reports of this nature very seriously and have a dedicated team of safety officers available 24/7 to investigate these types of reports and take appropriate action, including removing access to the platform.”

How to stay safe

Villanova University has shared some tips to help students stay safe:

• Strength in numbers; use the buddy system when walking on or off campus.
• Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Download the Nova Safe app to communicate directly with the public safety dispatcher.

Officials also shared advice for anyone using ride-hailing services:

• Reduce the time you spend outside, alone, with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait inside until the app indicates that your driver has arrived.
• Every time you take a trip, make sure you get into the right car with the right driver by matching the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with what is provided in your app.
• If possible, sit in the back seat, especially if you are travelling alone. This allows you to safely exit from either side of the vehicle to avoid traffic and gives you and your driver some personal space.
• During your trip, share your trip details via the carpooling app, with the Nova Safe app for students or by sharing your location on your mobile phone with a friend or family member.