Last month, a Newcastle University student pleaded guilty of stalking his ex-girlfriend and sharing an explicit video of her.
Jefferson Young and his ex had started dating in first-year, but after they broke up, he bombarded her with emotionally abusive messages and threatened self-harm in an attempt to make her get back together with him.
In January 2018, messages were sent to the victim’s ex-boyfriend containing an explicit video of her, which was reported to have humiliated the victim and impacted her studies. She contacted the police in June of this year after he showed up at her place of work.
During the hearing in October, Young pleaded guilty and received twelve months of community service and a restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex or going to the immediate area around her home.
His defense solicitor referred to the incident as “a sad case (of) two young people away from home and away from their friends and family” and blamed his actions on “the student culture” of the university. She also added that Young had received “mixed messages” from the victim and that he had learned from the incident.
Many argue that it is the university’s responsibility to try to prevent these kinds of incidents. In light of the event, an anonymous Newcastle University commented: “I feel awful for the girl. I think the university should make an effort to prevent people from sending explicit messages so that people cannot humiliate others. I think raising awareness for this kind of thing is important.”
When asked to comment on the incident, a Newcastle University representative said: “The University takes any reports of harassment or sexual misconduct very seriously and will investigate in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedures. However, the University is unable to disclose the outcome of any investigation to third parties."
In the hopes of preventing future occurrences of this nature, NUSU’s Welfare and Equality Officer reminds students that “the Student Advice Centre in the Students’ Union takes appointments regarding personal relationships of any nature. Nightline is also available to listen to any student’s issues or concerns. Students should be reminded of the impact their actions may have on others.”