| Today, in Manchester Crown Court, legal proceedings concluded against a former student of the University, through which they were convicted of the rape of a large number of men, here in Manchester. The disclosure that Sinaga is a former student of The University of Manchester and that the scale of offending was so significant, has come as a great shock. I have no doubt that this news will be distressing for many of us. Our concerns and sympathies are with the victims of these dreadful crimes and with those who are affected directly or indirectly. The Police have been clear that this individual was operating alone and concealing his behaviour, some of which coincided with him being a student with us. However, I am saddened to confirm that some members of our university community have been directly affected. My thoughts are very much with them and with all who are supporting them through such difficult circumstances. Given the seriousness and scale of these offences and the impact that this news will undoubtedly have on many of us, we have been working hard to put in place all the support we can. I have asked Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, to lead the University’s response on my behalf. He is reporting to me directly on a frequent basis. Further details of the above and our wider response can be found here. Whilst these events are shocking, please be assured that we are doing all we can as a community to support everyone who has been and will be deeply affected. Today’s news is profoundly distressing and its impact will take time to be fully felt and understood. However, during my thirty years with our University, I have seen our community come together in unity and with great resolve in difficult times. I remain confident that we will do so again, extending care and compassion to all those affected. Nancy Rothwell President and Vice-Chancellor |
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Who can I contact about this?
We will continue to offer confidential support to any members of our community who have been affected. People can contact our Sexual Violence and Harassment Response team for confidential, specialist support by emailing adviceandresponse@manchester.ac.uk or call our Counselling Service on 0161 275 2864.
Information can continue to be passed to police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101. The MIPP will also provide contact details for support agencies to anyone who accesses it.
For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to the police or the University, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre can continue to be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182. The National Male Survivors Helpline can also be contacted on 0808 800 5005.