A forcible sex offense occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Jan. 22 in Tenley Campus’ Congressional Hall, according to the Department of Public Safety.
The female student involved reported the incident on Feb. 16.
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the case, according to Adam Cooper, Public Safety’s logistics and compliance coordinator.
There is a known suspect.
A Public Safety report said the female student and two other students, including the suspect, were at a party in Maryland on Jan. 21. The female student and the suspect consumed alcoholic.
At about 3 a.m., the female student was highly intoxicated and returned to her room in Congressional Hall. The suspect followed her into her room without her knowledge, grabbed and began to fondle her.
The female student tried to push the suspect away from her. She vomited and he backed away.
The female student got into bed and passed out. When she woke up at about 2 p.m., she discovered signs suggesting a sexual assault had occurred.
Public Safety collected the victim and a witness’ statements and issued a Campus Crime Alert on Feb. 17.
Sanctions are implemented through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services if AU’s conduct system finds a student responsible for a sex-related offense.
Suspension and dismissal from the University are typically considered, but Cooper said each case is evaluated separately.
A second reported sex offense occurred this semester. On Jan. 17 at about 1 a.m. near Tenley and Main Campus, a female student walking back to campus from an off-campus event hailed a taxi.
The driver asked the victim to sit in the front seat. He then exposed himself and fondled the victim. She exited the taxi at Main Campus and contacted Public Safety. No injuries were reported and the investigation is still open.
Reports of forcible sex offenses increased from zero in 2008 to three in 2009 on main campus, according to AU’s Annual Security Report.
Sex offenses are one of the most underreported crimes on campus, according to Public Safety Chief Michael .
Of the three reports of forcible sex offenses filed in 2009 on main campus, one occurred in a residential facility.
Staff writer Kate Froehlich contributed to this report.
sdazio@theeagleonline.com
STAYING SAFE
• Walk in groups whenever possible and look out for each other.
• Avoid isolated and dark areas.
• Carry your cell phone and keep it accessible.
• If you are approached, take note of the person’s appearance, clothing and anything unusual?that will help identify the suspect.
• Be aware of the emergency telephones (yellow boxes on pillars, blue light phone towers and red telephones) located on campus, in building lobbies, elevators and in parking lots.
• Do not accept a drink that has already been opened
• Do not let anyone follow you into the building or admit anyone as a guest unless they are your guest.
• Report any suspicious activity or suspicious individuals to the Department of Public Safety.
• Program AU Public Safety into your cell phone for emergencies: 202-885-3636.
SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
