Keele Student Death After Alleged Rape

Today the Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel broke the news that Keele University student Hannah Stubbs committed suicide, six months after surviving an alleged rape. Her family have said that she had been suffering from depression since the incident. Questions have already been raised over the fact that the alleged perpetrator was not suspended by the university when the report was made. They have not commented on this at the current time.

Initially, like the other Keele students and graduates that I have heard from this morning, I was shocked and angry that this could happen at a University that to me, has been a safe and friendly community. However, this is not an isolated incident. Awfully, the true number of sexual assaults on British university campuses is unknown, as The Guardian recently reported many fail to record reports of sexual violence.

There is no reason that this should be the case. In 2015, universities should be safe, and accountable, spaces for all students, but despite the recent publicity and pressure being applied to governments on both sides of the Atlantic, the devastating news of these incidents is broken time and time again. And yes, it's worth mentioning that sexual violence is not a crime solely committed against women.

There has to be a reason for this terrible situation at our universities, and it has be to stopped.

Speaking on the issue, KeeleSU Women's Officer for the academic year 2014/15, Esra Gurkan, told me that although "the counselling itself helped me immensely... there were just such long waiting lists. Fortunately I was not in desperate need of it...Somebody, in a worse position, should not have had to wait weeks or months to get help".

Hannah's grandfather reportedly felt Keele University had not offered her enough help after she made the complaint. Esra added that " It breaks my heart that she had inadequate support. Nobody should have had to get through the aftermath of an attack without adequate support."

Keele have confirmed in a statement that their "comprehensive support services...worked very closely with Hannah".

This, I think, is the crux of the issue. Yes, we need to continue the conversation about 'Lad Culture', as well as any and all other facets of university life that threaten and belittle women. But we also need to make sure that our universities are equipped to deal with the awful incidents, such as rape and sexual assault.

I will be the first to admit that, until my final year at Keele, the idea that rape and sexual assault could happen on my campus, did not enter my mind. The first time I was made aware of issues involving sexual violence and wide-spread misogyny was during my Study Abroad year at Willamette University, where the fraternity Sigma Chi Delta Zeta were suspended after a 'private' Facebook group was magnificently unveiled by Willamette Truth. The response from Willamette was highly critiqued by the student body, and I can only hope that Keele do a better job.

 As the new year is about to start, and thousands of Fresher's embark on their university adventure, this horrible, terrifying news, of the situation that befell Hannah Stubbs must be a wake-up call, not only for those of us with connections to Keele, but to universities everywhere.    

The University of Keele would like to stress that any student affected by this news can contact the university's welfare services, through the student advice centre or through KeeleSU. The Chapel is also open, and the chaplaincy team are available for support. Keele Nightline is currently only operating a reduced service over summer, but will respond to emails within at least three days