On Tuesday, Sept. 24 at around 1:20 p.m., UFV experienced a targeted assault outside of the UFV Envision Athletic and Recreation Centre on the Abbotsford campus.
Dave Pinton, UFV communication director, said that the incident was not random and the victim was targeted in the assault.
“At this time there is no further threat to faculty, students, and staff,” Pinton said.
The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating the incident, and UFV will be working with them “in any way [they] can.”
Pinton said the assault may have started off campus, and it is not confirmed whether any of those involved in the incident were students at UFV. A witness of the incident said that a group of individuals arrived on campus and assaulted another group, who may also have arrived on campus at the same time.
It is not confirmed how many assailants there were or how many were injured, but Pinton said the police indicated one individual was sent to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital with minor injuries.
Security patrols were increased the evening of the incident.
“UFV is committed to providing a safe, secure, and inclusive learning and working environment,” Pinton said over email.
Anyone feeling unsafe on campus can contact UFV security for the SafeWalk program and receive an escort anywhere on campus for any reason. The service is available 24/7 through the Security Operations Centre at 1-855-239-7654 or in person on all of UFV’s campuses.
Students wishing to contact a counsellor after witnessing the incident can contact the UFV Counselling services at 604-854-4528 on the Abbotsford campus and 604-795-2808 on the Chilliwack campus.
Faculty and staff can reach out to the UFV Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, Homewood Health, 24/7 at 1-800-663-1142.
The B.C. 24/7 crisis line can be reached at 1-800-784-2433.
If anyone in the UFV community sees activity they find suspicious or concerning on any campus, they are encouraged to call UFV security.
