Townsville’s James Cook University called out: ‘silence is deafening’ after med student attack
A nurse and university-alumni has called out the school’s lack of response after one of its students was exposed for violently assaulting his girlfriend at a uni-sanctioned event. READ HER FULL LETTER
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A North Queensland nurse has called on James Cook University to do better after a medicine student was sentenced for the violent assault of his former girlfriend at a school-sanctioned event.
Emma Coppens, who studied and was a student facilitator at JCU in Townsville, penned an open letter to the university questioning why a professor submitted a letter in support of the sentenced abuser in court.
That abuser, Uvindu Pansuja Samarasi Jayasekara was sentenced to two years probation, and ordered to pay $500 in comepnsation to the victim, in the Townsville Magistrates Court and granted no conviction be recorded after he pleaded guilty to punching his ex-girlfriend at the medicine ball in the toilets before taking a selfie on her phone.
In the letter, which has gained more than 180 shares on Facebook, Ms Coppens expressed her outrage and disappointment in the university’s decision to allow Jayasekara to graduate and step into the medical profession.
It goes on to ask the uni to publicly acknowledge the case, review its policies and investigate the conduct of the Associate Professor who provided the reference letter in court.
Ms Coppens told the Townsville Bulletin the school’s silence was “deafening”.
“It sends a message to the survivor and other people that if you come forward, our institution will support the perpetrator and not you,” she said.
The woman, who studied at the university, said when attending university-sanctioned events you were representing the school and there should be ramification if you step out of line.
“Allowing him to quietly continue, having him complete his degree, while the victim suffers and she has no voice – she has had to endure three years of court dates and pursuing this,” Ms Coppens said.
“It’s a gross injustice, it’s disgusting.
“To see a powerful institution like a university has supported a perpetrator not just with their silence but actively – JCU, they’re an employer, a local employer, an educator, they’re so important within our community and the way they’ve mishandled this is disgusting.”
The woman has also since sent a letter addressed to Professor Sarah Larkins, the Dean of Medicine and Dentistry.
“As the leader of a faculty responsible for shaping future doctors, your silence is deafening.
“Allowing a student who has admitted to domestic violence to graduate as a doctor under your watch is not just an oversight, it is a profound failure of leadership.
“We expect better from the head of medical school and will keep asking the hard questions until we get answers. We’re waiting Sarah.”
Since sharing her open letter online, Ms Coppens has received messages from people sharing similar experiences of violence, and claimed to receive little to no support from the university.
“It’s disappointing,” she said.
“Not just being a former student. Seeing that next wave of young people come through and this is the standard we’re expecting them to step up to.
“They have a responsibility that they’re not just turning out people that can tick and flick right answers on a test, we need to know they’re turning out people of good moral standing. Right now, it’s just so below par it’s not even funny.”
JCU was contacted for comment and a spokesman said that a “complaint” had been investigated consistent with the school’s policies and procedures when it was reported in August 2022 and that the outcome of the complaint was confidential.
“The victim was provided support through the complaint process and continuing through her studies,” a spokesman said.
The uni was also asked about the professor’s letter of support for the man in court.
“The member of staff was aware that they were not able to represent the University when providing a reference for the male student,” the spokesman said.
“The university makes clear that no staff member represents JCU in any court process and does so as a member of the public.
“The university does not tolerate domestic violence among staff or students and is very clear on its commitment to the elimination of gendered violence, and any forms of domestic and family violence, as per the policies and procedures available on its website.
“In view of the court decision and further discussions with the complainant, the University will continue to respond in accordance with its policies and procedures.”
Read the full letter
To the Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Medicine, and JCU leadership
I am writing to express my outrage and deep disappointment at James Cook University’s decision to allow a medical student, who has pled guilty to domestic violence, against his former partner and fellow student, to graduate and step into the medical profession.
This violent attack occurred during a university-sanctioned medical ball, an event proudly associated with JCU. Instead of condemning this behaviour, removing this ‘woman basher’ and protecting the values your institution claims to stand for, you have allowed this student to quietly continue his studies, as if this crime is of no consequence to his future as a doctor and our community.
This is not just a legal matter, it is a moral one. By letting this perpetrator graduate, JCU is sending a devastating message to survivors of domestic violence: *your pain and trauma are secondary to protecting the reputation and career of an offender.* This is a slap in the face to every student, staff member, and community member who looks to your university to uphold integrity and safety.
Doctors are meant to heal, protect, and ‘do no harm’, yet you are endorsing someone who has done the opposite, violently. How can the public trust the character of a doctor who has already proven capable of violence against a partner? How can female students or patients feel safe when institutions like JCU refuse to take a stand?
Even worse, I am appalled to learn that Associate Professor Smith of JCU wrote a character reference for this perpetrator!! This is beyond inappropriate, it is shameful! It shows a complete disregard for the victim and undermines the severity of domestic violence. For a senior member of your faculty to support a convicted offender in this way, is an act of betrayal to every survivor of abuse.
By failing to take decisive action, JCU is complicit. You are telling the community that academic achievement matters more than basic human decency, safety, or accountability. This behaviour does not belong in the medical profession, nor should it be shielded by a respected university.
I call on JCU to take immediate action:
1. Publicly acknowledge this case and explain why a convicted domestic violence offender has been allowed to graduate as a doctor.
2. Review your policies and codes of conduct to ensure students in positions of power and trust face consequences for violent crimes, especially while AT university sanctioned events!
3. Investigate the conduct of Associate Professor Smith and prohibit staff from using their positions to support offenders.
JCU must remember: you are not just training doctors, you are shaping the kind of people entrusted with the health and safety of the public and supposed pillars of our community, by looking the other way, you have failed in that responsibility.
If this is the standard JCU upholds, then your reputation as an institution of integrity and excellence is nothing but a facade. Survivors and the wider community will not forget this decision, and I assure you, will have wider implications than you realise. What parent would support their child being educated at such an institute? Appalling.
Sincerely,
Emma Coppens
Former JCU student and Registered Nurse who doesn’t want to work alongside this type of ‘man’.
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