Western University apologized today for the part it may have played in the trauma and hurt suffered by former students who were abused by London psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski.
Dr. Dobrowolski, who is serving a four-year sentence for sexual assault and voyeurism stemming from incidents that happened after 1995 and involved his private practice, worked in Western’s Student Health Services between 1985 and 1994. During this period, concerns were raised about his inappropriate actions with some of the female students he was treating.
“We apologize for the trauma and pain his victims endured as a result of Dr. Dobrowolski’s conduct while at Western, and we apologize for any role that Western may have played in contributing to that trauma and pain,” says Western President Amit Chakma. “We also wish to apologize to any staff members who were affected by his behaviour.”
The University continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Dobrowolski’s tenure at Western in order to ensure, as best as possible, that such a situation could not occur today.
“We are apologizing because it is the right thing to do,” says Western Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Janice Deakin. “These young women placed their trust in Dr. Dobrowolski who, in turn, used his position of power and violated their trust. We view the safety of our students as paramount and want to publicly acknowledge that what happened to these young women was wrong.”
The full apology is available here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Marnoch, Director Media Relations, 519-661-2111, ext. 85468, kmarnoch@uwo.ca
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