The National Women and Gender Equity Service (SernamEG) filed a criminal complaint this Thursday with the Concepción Guarantee Court regarding the alleged gang rape of a student from the Universidad San Sebastián (USS). The legal action aims to clarify the events that took place after a freshman welcome party and to hold those involved criminally accountable.
The service's regional director, Bárbara Monsalves, confirmed that the institution became aware of the case in late April through a referral from the university itself via its Office of Information, Complaints, and Suggestions (OIRS). As Monsalves explained in an interview with Cooperativa, once the alert was received, support protocols were immediately activated to provide the victim with care, guidance, and psychological assistance.
"After the victim accepted our legal representation, we filed a criminal complaint with the goal of helping to clarify the facts, collaborating with the investigation led by the Concepción Prosecutor's Office, and pursuing all corresponding responsibilities," Monsalves stated. She emphasized that the service's work is focused on comprehensive support, avoiding any actions that might expose the young woman or lead to re-victimization.
Institutional support and security measures
At the national level, the acting Minister of Women and Gender Equity, Daniela Castro, described the reported events as "extremely serious" and assured that the government remains in constant contact with the complainant. The minister stressed that women's safety is a priority for the ministry and highlighted the recent signing of an agreement with the Carabineros police force to strengthen state technological systems aimed at preventing and eradicating gender-based violence.
"For our ministry, the safety of women is a priority. And that means acting decisively in the face of any act of violence," Castro noted. The acting minister stressed that the state's commitment must focus on ensuring that women can live safely, urging citizens to report acts of violence through official channels, such as the Carabineros' 133 emergency line or the PDI's 134 line.
For her part, the regional director of SernamEG insisted that the judicial process is being carried out under the framework of the Comprehensive Law, prioritizing speed and the protection of the victim's dignity. The investigation remains in the hands of the Concepción Prosecutor's Office, under a strict confidentiality protocol to protect the integrity of the student involved.
