Cardiff students emailed after undergrads heard talking about Rohypnol and assaulting women

Cardiff University students have been contacted by the School of Law and Politics after students were allegedly heard talking about using a date-rape drug and sexually assaulting women.

All undergraduate students in the department were sent an email yesterday (4th November) by Dr Ian Stafford, the School’s director of learning and teaching. An announcement was also put on Learning Central.

In the email seen by The Cardiff Tab, it said that staff were “made aware of an incident where a group of male undergraduate students were heard discussing using drugs, such as Rohypnol, and sexually assaulting women.”

The email continued by saying: “Whilst we do not know the full context for this conversation, the reality is that it made other students extremely uncomfortable – to the point where they reported the incident to an academic member of staff.”

Dr Stafford then outlined the behaviours and standards expected of students attending Cardiff University, where everyone treats each other with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times.

He also included information about where to go to access support, and who to contact if you wish to report instances of abuse or violence.

The email ends by saying: “Whilst this really isn’t the kind of e-mail that we want to be sending, the School of Law and Politics is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of the School’s learning community – both staff and students.

“Therefore, it is imperative that all members of this community treat each other with dignity and respect and are mindful of the impact that our behaviour may have on others.”

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One student who received the email spoke to The Cardiff Tab about how it has made her feel.

Anna*, 20, who’s in her final year of a politics degree, said: “I was honestly shocked to receive that email as I am in my third year and have never gotten anything like this in my time at Cardiff Uni before.

“I felt really scared that the environment I am in might not be safe. It was a reminder that the dangers I already knew existed and thought could never happen to me were very real and nearby.

“As I read further on I thought the reminders about how to report incidents were helpful as I never would have known how otherwise. Although I probably should have been aware of these reporting systems by my third year”.

A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “We take allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously. The safety of our students is paramount. We would urge anyone who has any information in relation to such allegations to report them to the police or students can report concerns anonymously via our new Report and Support tool. Students who have experienced any form of unacceptable behaviour can also access advice and support via Student Connect.”

* = not her real name.