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Sexual assault reported at UVa., 6 days after alleged incident

Posted at 10:39 PM, Feb 05, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-05 22:39:05-05

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A reported sexual assault at a residence hall is under investigation by University of Virginia Police.

The alleged assault occured on Jan. 30 but was reported on Feb. 5, according to police.

No other information about the incident was immediately available, according to WCAV.

This is a developing story.

Letter to Students From UVa Police:

To the University Community:

On February 5, 2015, The University of Virginia Police Department received information from the Office of the Dean of Students about a sexual assault incident reported to have occurred on January 30, 2015, in a residence hall on-Grounds.

This information is being released in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees.

The University of Virginia Police Department reminds all community members of the following information about sexual assault. Note that this information is general in nature and does not necessarily relate to any specific incident.

• It is estimated that nationwide one in every four to five college women will be the victim of a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.

• Victims are never responsible for the offenders’ behavior.

• The most common type of sexual assault is not by a stranger but by someone the victim knows, typically a date or acquaintance.

• Alcohol and drugs are often used to create vulnerability to sexual assault. Studies of sexual assault incidents show a high correlation between acquaintance rape and drug/alcohol usage. Be alert to people pressuring you or others to use alcohol or other drugs.

• Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.

• Use and encourage others to have a companion or a safe means of getting home, i.e., a trusted friend, taxi, or Safe Ride if available.

• Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist.

• If you engage in sexual activity, be sure you understand your partner’s limits, and communicate your own limits clearly. Don’t engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner.

• If you have imminent concerns for the safety of others, call the police to ask for assistance.

Survivors of sexual assault may report an assault to the police in one of two ways. First, they can report directly to the police by calling 911. Second, if medical attention is sought through the U.Va. Emergency Department, a report can be requested. Survivors can also report anonymously at http://www.virginia.edu/sexualviolence/sexualassault/reportingoptions/anonymous.html.

Survivors of sexual assault are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available, or encourage their use. Sources of support include the Office of the Dean of Students, the Women’s Center, Counseling and Psychological Services in Student Health, the Sexual Assault Resource Agency, and the Victim and Witness Assistance Programs. Students wishing to pursue charges through the University can do so through the Sexual Misconduct Board. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students by phone at 924-7133 or by visiting these websites: http://www.virginia.edu/sexualviolence or http://www.virginia.edu/uvapolice.

It’s up to all of us to put an end to sexual violence. Become an informed and effective bystander in the prevention of sexual assault. If she/he doesn’t consent or can’t consent, it’s rape. If you see something, intervene. Get involved! Find out how by visiting notonourgrounds.virginia.edu/hoosgotyourback.

Please take all necessary steps to protect yourself and each other – and know that you should never hesitate to call 911.

Michael Gibson
Chief, University Police