A Windsor hazing expert has weighed in on the scandal that has rocked St. Michael's private boy's school in Toronto.
Six students aged 14 and 15 have been charged after a hazing incident that saw a fellow student sexually assaulted with a broom handle.
The charges include assault, gang sexual assault, and sexual assault with a weapon in connection with an incident that allegedly took place on campus and was captured on video and also shared online.
Toronto police say they're investigating two more incidents at St. Michael's College School that were caught on video.
Police say one of the incidents is classified as an assault with a weapon, while the second is considered a threat.
That brings the number of cases being investigated by police at the private boys' school to six.
Margery Holman, professor emeritus at the University of Windsor told AM800's 'The Lynn Martin Show' hazing often results when there's a lack of adult supervision.
"If we turn a blind eye and just let 14 and 15-year-olds plan their activities, especially if alcohol is involved which it typically is, even if they're under age, they're out of control"
Holman says hazing is often sexually-oriented and involves younger, vulnerable victims
"There are so many different definitions of hazing so, any activities that establish a hierarchy and reinforce it is hazing"
Holman says, unlike the United States, there are no anti-hazing laws in Canada.
She adds that while there's a clear problem at St. Michael's school, it's not unusual for victims not to come forward.
"Boys are taught 'tough it out, you'll survive it'. It's a very complex mental thought process but often survive it with some residual effects that can affect them forever."
Holman also points to pier pressure to be accepted as another reason why victims often don't come forward.
-- With Files from The Canadian Press