FALMOUTH University has reacted to an 'abhorrent' TikTok 'Rape Day' hoax saying it will take a 'zero-tolerance' approach to anyone found to taking part in any related group chats.

The university says while it has no evidence that reports of these posts and purported related discussions are genuine, or that there is a genuine threat, it is clear that the issue is causing distress in its community.

In a statement issued to the Packet Anna Brown, head of communications, said: "We have become aware of a number of messages and social media posts circulating in relation to an abhorrent TikTok “24 April Hoax” encouraging sexual violence.

"There is no evidence that reports of these posts and purported related discussions are genuine, or that there is a genuine threat, but it is clear that the issue is causing distress to our community and we therefore want to make clear that we are taking this issue seriously.

"We are actively working with the police to support their investigations and the university will take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone found participating in any related group chats (whether private or public), or engaging with the content in a way that could reasonably be foreseen to cause distress or emotional harm, whether intended or not.

"We would strongly encourage anyone with information about individuals engaged in any such discussions to come forward and support the University, to ensure our campus remains a safe and inclusive environment and so that enquires can be progressed. If students have been personally affected by the issue, they can find support at studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk."

The day was reportedly set up by a group of six men on TikTok who reportedly designated April 24 as a "national day" for carrying out sexual assault. They have claimed that on April 24, 2021, it's legal to sexually assault anybody — and they even provided tips on how to do so.

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It's unclear who is responsible for starting the trend (or whether it was a joke) at this point, however, it has prompted a social media backlash with people outraged by the men's actions.

One female student from the university posted on Facebook: "It's come to my attention that a few people in the first year have shown intentions to go ahead with this trend on campus. It's absolutely vile and those that made their intentions aware [sic] have already been reported to the police and the lodge."

She added: "Some people have gone as far as to 'come' the Falmouth uni to participate. The uni are upping security measures tremendously just in case."