LOGAN, Utah, Oct. 26, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Multiple sexual assaults were reported at Utah State University Friday night, according to an alert issued by the school.
“Three sexual assaults were reported as occurring last night, Oct. 25, 2019, on the Logan campus,” the statement says. “USU Police are investigating, and this timely warning notice contains all the information publicly available at this time.”
Anyone with information about the crimes is urged to contact USU Police by phone, 435-797-1939, or in person at 800 E. 1250 North, Logan.
“Utah law prohibits nonconsensual sexual contact (fondling and rape), domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking,” the statement says. “These actions can carry severe consequences. A crime is never the fault of the victim.”
According to reports, more than 6,000 people were on campus for USU’s Halloween Howl event. It was not immediately clear whether the assaults were connected to the event.
The alert, aimed at USU students and highlighting available university resources, offered tips aimed at preventing or lessening the number of assaults:
- Don’t stand by if someone is speaking or behaving in a disrespectful or inappropriate way. Speak up or seek assistance from police or USU employees. Learn more about becoming an Upstander and request an Upstanding bystander intervention training at www.upstander.usu.edu.
- Make sure you understand consent and always receive it before engaging in any sexual activity. Learn more at www.consent.usu.edu.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe on campus, contact USU Police at 435-797-1939 or dial 911. USU police officers provide safety escorts across campus; please allow 20-30 minutes for an officer to arrive.
- If you’ve been sexually assaulted, there are on- and off-campus resources ready to help you. You may report the incident to the police or file a Title IX report. If you are not ready to report to police or to the university through the Title IX Coordinator, visit with a confidential advocate or counselor. Learn more about these resources at www.sexualassault.usu.edu.
- The health and safety of the campus community is USU’s primary concern, and the university’s Amnesty Policy excuses students who report sexual misconduct from facing discipline for a violation of the student code involving drugs and alcohol.
