An Auburn University student reported that she was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance earlier this week.
Auburn University Campus Safety and Security sent a notice about the alleged incident, which took place at an apartment leased by an "Auburn-affiliated entity." No further information was provided about the location of the assault.
The alleged victim said the assailant forcibly fondled her and attempted to rape her.
The notice stated that 90 percent of all convicted or attempted rapes on college campuses are committed by acquaintances.
Campus Safety also reminded students:
- Forcing sexual contact on another person without consent is against the law and, depending upon the nature of the contact, may be a felony.
- It is important for everyone involved in a sexual act to give consent to all aspects of the act. Consent means a clear and sober “yes,” given freely. Consent granted for one act does not mean consent for another.
- Rape is not a crime of sexual desire. It is a crime of hostility and violence toward the victim. People often engage in victim blaming as a way to preserve the false belief that they will be safe from sexual assault “if only” they do not do what the victim did. However, rape is never the victim’s fault. Only the perpetrator chooses to commit sexual assault.
- It is a myth that it can’t happen to you. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, class, religion, occupation, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, educational background, or physical description. Rape is never the victim’s fault.
Campus Safety and Security said for victims of sexual assault should preserve evidence and contact local emergency hotlines.
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