BOSTON UNIVERSITY POLICE CRIME ALERT: SEXUAL ASSAULT

10/27/2023

Please see detailed information below regarding several concerning incidents that have occurred on campus. BUPD is providing this information to help you make informed decisions and to help keep our community safe. These are unrelated to the incidents we reported on 10/24/2023.

Incident #1: On 10/26/2023 at approximately 10:00 p.m. near 168 Bay State Rd. a student reported that they were approached on the sidewalk by a person on a bicycle who touched the student inappropriately. The suspect rode away and the student was able to call BUPD who searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect was described as a white male riding on a dark colored bicycle wearing blue jeans and a dark cap or hooded sweatshirt.

Incident #2: On 10/26/2023 at approximately 11:00 p.m. on the Charles River Esplanade near the Silber Footbridge, a student reported that they were approached by a person on a bicycle who touched them inappropriately. The suspect rode away and the student was able to call BUPD who searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect was described as a male riding on a black bicycle wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. The student was not able to provide any further details at this time.

Follow Up: BUPD is investigating if these incidents are related. BUPD, Boston Police and Massachusetts State Police are patrolling these areas trying to provide high visibility. We encourage anyone who may have information to come forward and share information with the BUPD at (617) 353-2121. Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by texting the word ‘BU’ to TIP411 (847911). The BUPD will protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.

The following is provided as a reminder to our BU Community:

Sexual Assault Reporting Resources on Campus

BU Police Department: BUPD has specially trained officers to investigate sexual assaults. BU Police will make every effort to offer survivors a choice to speak with a male or female officer. In addition, the BU Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with helpful resources both on and off campus. 617-353-2121 www.bu.edu/police

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP): For emotional support, assistance in reporting, and to learn more about your available options, contact Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP), Boston University’s primary, confidential, on-campus resource for issues pertaining to sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and domestic/dating violence. 617-353-7277 http://www.bu.edu/shs/sarp

Equal Opportunity Office: Responds to complaints of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence against non-students (employees, affiliates, or non-affiliates) and will take immediate action to eliminate the offending conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. 617-358-1796 https://www.bu.edu/eoo/sexual-misconduct-title-ix/policy-and-procedures/

BU Dean of Students Office of Judicial Affairs: Responds to complaints of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence against students and will take immediate action to eliminate the offending conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Handles all BU student judicial conduct cases and is the primary administrator of the Code of Student Responsibilities. The Student Code is a body of principles consisting of the University’s expectations of its students, provisions for sanctioning rule violations, and due process mechanisms. 617-358-0700 http://www.bu.edu/dos/ja/

Off Campus Resources:

  • Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) 1-800-841-8371 | www.barcc.org
  • SAFELINK Domestic Violence Hotline 1-877-785-2020
  • Victim Rights Law Center 617-399-6720 | www.victimrights.org

Risk reduction/Safety precautions:

  • Rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the survivor. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault.
  • The most common type of sexual assault occurs between individuals known to one another. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors.
  • Never get into a vehicle with a person you do not know. Be sure to double check the license plate on ride share apps.
  • Do not prop doors to your building.
  • Do not sign guests into your building unless you know the person.
  • Do not allow people into your building unless you know them. If you feel uncomfortable confronting someone about this call BUPD and we will come to assist you.
  • Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. If you engage in sex, be sure you understand your partner’s limits, and communicate your own limits. Do not engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner(s).

See Something Say Something

  • If you do not feel comfortable intervening in any situation, notify someone who can (party host, a friend, BU Police, 911, etc.).
  • Program your cell phone with the BU Police emergency number 617-353-2121. Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation on or near the BU Charles River, Fenway or Medical Campus. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you are off campus call
  • Text BUPD anonymously by texting “BU” to 847411.

Additional considerations for your safety

  • If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 3-2121 from any on campus telephone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Trust your intuition – if a particular makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
  • Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your destination at the end of the night.

Sexual Assault Programs and Procedures

Boston University is committed to educating the campus community in ways to prevent sexual assault. Throughout the academic year and during orientation, SARP, Student Health Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, the BU Police, and certain student organizations deliver educational programs to parents, students, employees, and other members of the community. These sessions provide information on preventing sexual assault and rape, supporting friends who are survivors of sexual assault, security programs, and on being a pro-social bystander.

Issued by:

Boston University Police Department

617-353-2121

WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?

This notice is a timely warning message. Boston University Police has information to share about a crime on campus.

FEEDBACK: We welcome your feedback to help make our messages better. Please send to bupolice@bu.edu

 

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