CSU Stanislaus released a campus crime alert to advise people of an incident that concerns the safety of the university community.
The California State University, Stanislaus Police Department is investigating an alleged sexual assault of a female resident at the residence hall by an acquaintance. The incident occurred on the night of Jan. 29. The incident was reported to the University Police Department on Feb. 4.
University Police stated that the suspect is a CSU Stanislaus student and lives in Stanislaus County.
The suspect is not in custody at this time. The suspect’s access to the campus has been restricted pending further notice. However, CSU Stanislaus is advising people take all necessary precautions.
This is an ongoing investigation and the police are in contact with all individuals involved.
If anyone has information that might be helpful in this investigation, University Police ask that they call 667-3114 or they can report anonymously by calling Stanislaus Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME(27463).
University Police also state that victim/witness intimidation and harassment constitutes illegal retaliation, could result in criminal charges if it interferes with a criminal investigation, and will not be tolerated.
PREVENTION TIPS
1. To protect yourself please be mindful of who you allow into to your residence, and where they are allowed to go within the residence. Look out for the safety of your roommates and other members of your community by reporting suspicious behavior.
2. Remember the situation is not your fault; it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
3. Be true to yourself. Do not feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to do. “I don’t want to do this” is always a good enough reason.
4. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
5. When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
6. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you see a situation in which a person is being assaulted, contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911.
CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT
Victims of any form of sexual harassment or assault are strongly encouraged to seek confidential support from Psychological Counseling Service, (209) 667-3381; office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or the Victim Advocate, (209) 667-3993. Off campus, Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus offers a 24-Hour toll free County-wide crisis line for crisis intervention and information referrals related to sexual assault in Stanislaus County at 1-888-45HAVEN. More information is available at https://www.csustan.edu/stop-abuse. Reporting to a confidential counselor or the victim advocate WILL NOT RESULT IN A REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR THE UNIVERSITY. These counseling professionals are required by law to keep your identity and information confidential.
REPORTING TO THE UNIVERSITY
CSU Stanislaus also encourages victims and witnesses to report sexual misconduct to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, who can help provide resources, support and remedies, as well as determine whether the university needs to take further action to make victims, witnesses, and the rest of the campus community safe, as well as take steps to prevent a reoccurrence and eliminate sexual misconduct. Please contact Dennis Shimek, CSU Stanislaus Title IX Coordinator: (209) 667-3351 or https://www.csustan.edu/title-ix. Information about Victim Rights and Options can also be found on the university’s Title IX website: https://www.csustan.edu/rights-and-options-victims-sexual-v….
Anonymous reports can also be made to the University through the StanCares reporting form at https://www.csustan.edu/stan-cares/submit-report. Please remember University officers patrol our campus 24/7, you can reach an officer by calling (209) 667-3114 or 911.
