VANCOUVER – RCMP and the University of British Columbia have called a noon hour news conference to offer what is described as an update on recent sexual assaults that have occurred on the university campus.

Sgt. Peter Thiessen says no further details about the update will be released before the news conference, to be held on UBC’s Point Grey campus.

Three attacks on women occurred over three weeks, beginning in late September, alarming the university community and prompting additional security measures.

Women were also urged not to walk alone at night, leading to criticism that UBC and the RCMP should focus less on telling women to protect themselves, and more on condemning sexual assaults and finding the perpetrator.

The first attack occurred Sept. 28, when a woman was grabbed from behind and groped, and the confirmed attacks continued until Oct. 19, when a teenager was grabbed from behind, groped, and also reported being punched in the face.

In each case the attacker was identified as a tall, thin man in his late 20’s wearing a black hoodie.

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