Headline: Nova Scotia University Denies Liability in Sexual Assault Lawsuit
In a legal battle unfolding at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, a student named Marissa Williams has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted on campus and that the university failed to protect her. The university, however, has vehemently denied these allegations in a notice of defence, signed on Aug. 8, 2024.
Williams, who has been studying at the small francophone school in Church Point since 2019, claimed she was raped in separate incidents in 2021 by two fellow students, one of whom was a member of the men’s volleyball team and another who was a residential adviser.
The statement of claim filed by Williams in Nova Scotia Supreme Court accused Université Sainte-Anne of neglecting its duty to safeguard her from harm caused by these two individuals. However, the university disputed this assertion and rejected any responsibility, stating that it did not act negligently or with vicarious liability in the matter.
The court documents described the accused men as “school ambassadors,” a title disputed by the university in its defence. It also refuted claims that the administration mishandled Williams’s complaint against the volleyball player, insisting that it took the report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith.
The notice of defence further revealed that the university was unaware of the alleged sexual assaults committed by the residential adviser, who they claim was engaged in a consensual romantic relationship with Williams and was not a university employee.
While these claims remain unproven in court, Williams is seeking unspecified damages in her civil suit, which the university is contesting. Université Sainte-Anne has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit with costs.
Williams, who did not report the alleged assaults by the residential adviser to the school, cited negative experiences following her initial complaint, including victim-blaming, lack of academic accommodations, and the spreading of hurtful rumors around campus.
For assistance or support in cases of sexual assault, individuals are encouraged to contact crisis lines and local support services. Immediate danger should be reported to 911.
The university declined CBC News’s interview request and refrained from commenting on the ongoing case. The lawsuit continues to unfold.
For more compelling stories like this and breaking news updates, stay tuned to CBC News.
For any inquiries or story ideas, reach out to reporter Celina at celina.aalders@cbc.ca. Your insights are valued.
Remember, it’s our
In a legal battle unfolding at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, a student named Marissa Williams has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted on campus and that the university failed to protect her. The university, however, has vehemently denied these allegations in a notice of defence, signed on Aug. 8, 2024.
Williams, who has been studying at the small francophone school in Church Point since 2019, claimed she was raped in separate incidents in 2021 by two fellow students, one of whom was a member of the men’s volleyball team and another who was a residential adviser.
The statement of claim filed by Williams in Nova Scotia Supreme Court accused Université Sainte-Anne of neglecting its duty to safeguard her from harm caused by these two individuals. However, the university disputed this assertion and rejected any responsibility, stating that it did not act negligently or with vicarious liability in the matter.
The court documents described the accused men as “school ambassadors,” a title disputed by the university in its defence. It also refuted claims that the administration mishandled Williams’s complaint against the volleyball player, insisting that it took the report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith.
The notice of defence further revealed that the university was unaware of the alleged sexual assaults committed by the residential adviser, who they claim was engaged in a consensual romantic relationship with Williams and was not a university employee.
While these claims remain unproven in court, Williams is seeking unspecified damages in her civil suit, which the university is contesting. Université Sainte-Anne has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit with costs.
Williams, who did not report the alleged assaults by the residential adviser to the school, cited negative experiences following her initial complaint, including victim-blaming, lack of academic accommodations, and the spreading of hurtful rumors around campus.
For assistance or support in cases of sexual assault, individuals are encouraged to contact crisis lines and local support services. Immediate danger should be reported to 911.
The university declined CBC News’s interview request and refrained from commenting on the ongoing case. The lawsuit continues to unfold.
For more compelling stories like this and breaking news updates, stay tuned to CBC News.
For any inquiries or story ideas, reach out to reporter Celina at celina.aalders@cbc.ca. Your insights are valued.
Remember, it’s our
