The Badger Herald

NEWS

Student alleges sexual assault

Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.

Also by Pedro Oliveira Jr.:

Research finds rapid evolution (December 13, 2007)
CAN criticizes Horowitz funding call (December 13, 2007)
Enough already: More snow hits area (December 12, 2007)
Security bills rile UW GOP group (December 11, 2007)
Students want to aid Iraqi scholars (December 11, 2007)

by Pedro Oliveira Jr.

Monday, December 3, 2007

University of Wisconsin Police officials said they are still investigating an alleged sexual assault at a dorm on campus involving a UW student.

A female Ogg Hall resident reported being sexually assaulted by a white male in the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 30.

According to police, she encountered the man in a stairwell and accompanied him to a dorm room where she was allegedly assaulted.

It is unclear whether the perpetrator is a student or Ogg resident, and police have not released details on his relationship to the female.

"This is an ongoing investigation, a very sensitive issue that we're trying to be careful not to get too much information out," UWPD Lt. Peter Ystenes said.

Police described the suspect as a white male, 18 to 20 years old, approximately 5"8' with curly, dirty blond hair and no facial hair.

"We have detectives and other officers working on this case doing some follow-up and we hope to have some more [information] coming out later on," Ystenes said.

Housing Director Paul Evans said university housing has few reported sexual assault incidents, and the lack of information on the perpetrator leaves the department with little options to correct security concerns.

"Without knowing the facts, it's hard to know what current things we're doing that failed," Evans said. "If the attacker turned out to be someone who lives on the same floor, then there wouldn't be much to do because he would have access to keys."

Residence halls are equipped with electronic key fobs and access to residence floors is restricted 24 hours a day.

"Both housing staff and other staff on campus certainly reach out to the person, but it's really up to her to decide what she wants to do," Evans said.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said sexual assaults are underreported acts of violence on the UW campus, and added she is glad the Ogg resident chose to involve police in the incident.

"Sexual assault is a very sensitive issue, and giving the victim the support they need and address the perpetrator's behavior are our high priorities," Berquam said.

Add a comment

We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.