CRIME ALERT #2

February 5, 2009

WOMEN REPORT SEXUAL ASSAULTS
THAT OCCURRED LAST YEAR

 SMU police are investigating two unrelated reports made this week concerning sexual assaults, one that occurred off campus in March 2008 and the other at a fraternity house in August 2008.

 A student told SMU police she was sexually assaulted at an off-campus location in March 2008.  The student said she knew the suspect, who was a student but is no longer affiliated with SMU.  He is a white male, 25 years old, 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

 Another student reported that she was sexually assaulted in August 2008 in a campus fraternity house at 3022 SMU Blvd.  The student said she knew the suspect, an SMU student. He is a white male, 20 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. He also is a suspect in an October 2008 sexual assault complaint.

 Police have identified both suspects and believe there is no connection between these two reports.  The filing of criminal charges is pending a full investigation. 

 Anyone with information about these matters is asked to contact the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3388.  Information also may be reported anonymously through the Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at http://www.smu.edu/2tip

 Protecting Yourself

• Avoid secluded places (this may even mean your room or your partner's) until you trust your partner.
  
   
• Don't spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing yourself from situations that you don't feel good about.
  
   
• Stay sober and aware. If you're with someone you don't know very well, be aware of what's going on around you and try to stay in control. Also, be aware of your date's ability to consent to sexual activity — you may become guilty of committing rape if the other person is not in a condition to respond or react.
  
   
• Know what you want. Be clear about what kind of relationship you want with another person. If you are not sure, then ask the other person to respect your feelings and to give you time. Don't allow yourself to be subject to peer pressure or encouraged to do something that you don't want to do.
  
   
• Take self-defense courses. These can build confidence and teach valuable physical techniques a person can use to get away from an attacker.