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Villanova University Sexual Abuse
Seek Justice and Compensation for Sexual Abuse at Pennsylvania Universities
Several high-profile Villanova University sexual abuse cases have highlighted concerns surrounding how members of the Villanova community have responded to sexual misconduct on campus. If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment or violence, Injury Lawyer Team offers support, resources, and legal advocacy. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your legal rights.
Allegations of Childhood Sexual Abuse at Villanova University
Sexual violence has become a serious problem on Villanova’s Delaware County campus, leading to multiple university sexual abuse lawsuits. In one high-profile case, a student attended a party at College Hall, an off-campus housing complex known for its wild parties and risk to public safety.
While at the party, the victim was sexually assaulted by three male students, who filmed the incident. One, Elijah Katzenell, was later arrested, as he was considered the main assailant. The unnamed victim sued the fellow Villanova students, the university itself, and the apartment complex.
Katzenell was barred from attending his graduation after the Villanova community complained about his presence. The woman’s attorney, Jay Edelstein, noted that the victim felt she would be revictimized by hearing his name announced.
Kathleen Byrnes, Villanova’s Vice President for Student Life, wrote, “We hear the concerns surrounding the harm done to the survivor and the wider community. We are actively working to address the situation at hand relating to Commencement and are seeking an outcome that will offer care and respect for the survivor and ensure that the survivor can participate fully in Commencement.”
However, women at Villanova University argue that the college isn’t doing enough for sexual assault prevention or even enforcing its sexual misconduct policy. A survey released in 2021 found that 11.9% of all Villanova students had experienced some form of non-consensual sexual conduct. Sexual violence can prevent students from completing their education, particularly if they don’t feel supported by faculty or peers.
Sadly, the school continues to fail its students in preventing sexual assault. In September 2024, a Villanova student reported that she had been raped in the Commons residence hall. The person of interest was banned from the premises, but women stated that the assault had made them feel unsafe at school and that the university wasn’t getting involved in proactive measures.
What Damages Can Victims of Sexual Abuse on Campus Recover?
Sexual assault changes the course of a person’s life, often resulting in time away from school. The point of a civil lawsuit is to secure compensation for victims that will help them recover. Damages that victims can pursue include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal life
Per the Pennsylvania Supreme Court case The Bert Co. v. Turk, et al, punitive damages can be pursued on a per-defendant basis, not a per-case basis, meaning that victims could receive more than the single-digit ratio of these non-compensatory damages.
How Long Do Victims of Sexual Abuse Have to Take Legal Action in Pennsylvania?
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits in Pennsylvania depends on the victim’s age at the time of the sexual assault. Child survivors have until age 55 to sue (42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i)). There is a lookback window for cases from before the extended statute of limitations, which is closing in November 2025 (42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(ii)).
Survivors who were adults at the time of the assault have two years to file a claim (42 Pa.C.S. §5524(7)).
Villanova University Community Members Responsible for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education
Several people and agencies share responsibility for protecting the Villanova community and preventing sex discrimination on campus. These include the following.
Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC)
The Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team assists victims of sexual assault or any form of sexual harm. Victims can discuss any accommodations they need and can be directed to resources to help them finish their studies despite their trauma. Students can also receive bystander intervention training, meant to empower them to support fellow students who have been the subject of harassment or assault.
To contact SARC or get involved with their training, call 484-343-6028 or email sarc@villanova.edu.
Title IX Coordinator Ryan Rost
Title IX Coordinator Ms. Ryan Rost oversees the Title IX office at the school, which assists survivors in filing complaints or accessing supportive measures to help them remain in school. Rost will coordinate complaints, manage accommodations for survivors, and ensure that survivors are not discriminated against during their studies.
It is essential to note that Title IX complaints typically provide resolution in terms of university accommodations or student discipline. They are neither criminal charges nor civil lawsuits. While complaining to Villanova University may trigger an external investigation with the city’s police, it is not a criminal complaint in and of itself.
In other words, lodging a complaint with the school can only result in outcomes such as the offending student being assigned to a different dorm, having their class schedule adjusted, or being removed from the premises. However, these measures can be tremendously important for survivors, helping them feel safe and ensuring they reach graduation.
Rost can be reached at 610-519-8805 or at ryan.rost@villanova.edu.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Rost is supported by multiple deputy coordinators, who assist in coordinating complaints and ensuring survivors can stay in school. These coordinators include the following.
Shannon Barnett, Title IX Case Manager
(610) 519-8804
Kim Kearney, Title IX Investigator
(484) 343-6926
Sydney Scheiner, Assistant Dean of Students for Conduct Resolution and Community Engagement
(610) 519-4200
Brigitte Strother, Director, Employee Relations and Compliance
(610) 519-6935
brigitte.strother@villanova.edu
Lynn Tighe, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration
(610) 519-4121
How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help
Our award-winning law firm understands how overwhelming sexual abuse lawsuits can be and will support survivors every step of the way. We will thoroughly investigate your claims, gathering information such as police reports, medical records, university records, and witness statements.
Our trauma-informed legal advocacy involves caring and careful interviews with witnesses to ensure that they are not revictimized.
As Million Dollar Advocates, we are renowned for our high settlements in sexual assault cases like yours. We will carefully evaluate your damages, including non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and strive to secure the highest possible settlement from all defendants.
Many cases settle out of court. However, we are members of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, with an impeccable track record at trial. Our team will coordinate all claims and present a compelling narrative at trial to ensure that your case secures a positive verdict.
Throughout the process, we will protect your privacy and communicate with third parties on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your healing. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. The attorney-client privilege protects everything you share with our team, and your consultation will remain confidential.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and begin your journey to justice through a college sexual assault lawsuit.