A man has been arrested in connection with the sexual assaults of four female students at the University of Victoria, Saanich Police say.
The women came forward to police two weeks ago, saying they were all sexually assaulted on or around campus by the same male student.
Police are recommending five counts of sexual assault against the suspect, who has not been identified.
They say all of the victims were between 19 and 20 years old and all knew the male student.
“All of these women are very brave and they’ve come forward and shown a lot of courage,” said Saanich Police spokesman Sgt. Jereme Leslie.
The incidents date back to the start of the school year, according to police.
An investigation was launched after the women came forward and the UVic student was arrested and has since been released with conditions.
He’ll appear in court in early April.
Officials at the University of Victoria said in a statement the suspect has been banned from campus, but declined to comment further while the investigation continues.
"Sexualized violence is never acceptable and the University of Victoria is deeply committed to providing all members of our campus community with a safe, supportive and respectful environment," said Jim Dunsdon, associate vice-president of student affairs.
It’s the latest in a string of sex assaults involving UVic students over the last several months.
One month ago, a man knocked on the door of two students who lived near the campus and when they answered, he sexually assaulted one or both of them.
In September, a woman was sexually assaulted in a wooded area across from a parking lot near several student residences.
Police said multiple men may have been involved in that assault.
Leslie said police have “completely ruled out” the possibility that those attacks are connected to the latest assaults.
