Warning: Graphic content BRANTFORD, ONT. – The headlines out of Cornell University, where a former student alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven men at a fraternity party in 2024, have prompted some Canadian survivors to go public. One of those students is Melissa Stark, who took to her Instagram page to share her story. “The recent news about the Cornell 7 has really brought back some unresolved rage for me. During my time at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, I was sexually assaulted,” she wrote. Stark said she was in her third year of university when the alleged assault took place. “This was someone who I met through our friend circles. He became a friend and he came to my off-campus apartment, and the story goes from there.” Speaking with CTV News from Brantford, Ont., Stark said she didn’t consent and that, “this individual forced himself upon me.” Stark said she spent weeks in denial about what happened before she reported the alleged incident to a sexual violence co-ordinator at the university. She said her report was initially well received, though as it escalated, she said the administration refused to remove her alleged attacker from campus. “I wanted him expelled, not only for myself, but in an effort to protect other students. The school instead said they could offer the person who assaulted me counselling, have him take some online courses and they asked if I wanted a written apology, which I declined because I didn’t think that would help me in any way,” she said. Stark added that the alleged attacker continued his studies and flourished while her grades declined and her mental health suffered. “He was given honours at graduation and able to walk the stage with everyone else.” Saint Mary University’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy outlines that the disciplinary tools at its disposal include suspension and expulsion. “The policy is very much a box for them to check off,” said Stark. The school’s security department did issue a notice of no contact to each of the students, saying if the two find themselves in “a common academic activity, they shall leave as much physical space between them as possible and shall not communicate in any way.” For Stark, she said the order was of little help. She still saw the man on campus and would avoid certain areas. She also dropped out of some classes because his friends were in the same program. “I remember thinking at one point, ‘I’m going to drop out,’” she said. Schools must support survivors, advocate says Stark’s story isn’t an isolated incident. Candice Shaw, executive director of the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada, told CTV News that 11 per cent of female students and four per cent of male students experience sexual assault in a post-secondary setting. Shaw believes that Canadian universities need to do more than simply come up with sexual violence policies. “Canadian universities and colleges need to ensure there are clear pathways for survivors to find community-based support systems, like those offered through sexual violence support organizations,” she said. Shaw said her national organization and others are well equipped to support survivors in a way that many educational institutions cannot. CTV News sent Saint Mary’s University multiple emails before publication. They have not responded. Stark did manage to graduate and is now focused on her future, which includes taking a master’s in criminology at another university in Ontario. She said she’s sharing her story in hopes of reaching survivors. “I want them to know that they’re not alone. There are people ready to listen and to help.” If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
