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Attempted sexual assault – Aug. 8

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U OF U ALERT: UPDATE ON attempted SEXUAL ASSAULT

[Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | 9:00 am]

The University of Utah Police Department has continued to investigate the attempted sexual assault that was reported Sunday, Aug. 8, and confirmed that the reporting party is not affiliated with the University of Utah.

Police and security officers also increased patrols in the area, and crisis support specialists were engaged to offer support to the victim. In alignment with trauma-informed investigative techniques and to best support and respect those harmed, cases like this are handled with sensitivity.

Based on the investigation at this point, evidence suggests there is no imminent threat to the campus community. This will be the last update on this case unless information impacting the safety of the campus community becomes available.

Courtesy escorts (main campus: 801-585-2677; Hospital: 801-581-2294) and the SafeRide program remain available to campus community members. The Center for Student Wellness Victim-Survivor Advocates are also available to provide confidential support to campus community members who have experienced interpersonal violence.

U OF U ALERT: attempted sexual assault

[Sunday, August 8, 2021 | 7:10 pm]

Note: You are receiving this message because federal law requires institutions of higher education to alert the campus community when certain crimes occur on or near certain campus property that presents a serious or ongoing threat. The intent is to provide information so individuals can take appropriate measures to best protect themselves. More information is available here.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at 5:35 p.m., the University of Utah Safety Department was notified of an attempted sexual assault that was reported to have occurred on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in the Red Butte Canyon area by the University of Utah campus. The time of the incident is unknown, and further details are unavailable at this time.

The University Police Department is actively investigating and searching the area. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact University Police at 801-585-2677.

Description of the person of interest:

The person of interest is described as an older male with a light complexion who was riding a bicycle on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in the Red Butte Canyon area. No further information is known.

Prevention and Safety Tips:

This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember:

  • If you or someone you know is a victim of interpersonal violence, call the LINK line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) or visit the Center for Excellence in Women’s Health website.
  • Consent is required for all sexual interactions. Consent cannot be granted if a person is under the influence of alcohol, coerced, or under duress or force. If you are unsure if a person wants to engage in sexual behavior, DO NOT DO IT.
  • Coercion includes “wearing a person down” until they say yes. This is not consent.
  • The vast majority of sexual assault occurs between two people who know each other. Usually victims of sexual assault know, and sometimes trust, the person who hurt them.
  • If you notice one of your friends ignoring another person’s boundaries, remove your friend from the situation and tell them their behavior is not OK.
  • If you’re meeting someone new, let others know when and where you’re meeting and plan to meet in a public setting. Trust your gut if anything feels off.
  • Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
  • Let a family member or friend know when you’re going somewhere and your estimated time of arrival or return. This allows them to notify police as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
  • If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
  • Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
  • Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
  • If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.

Support and Resources

Updates will be posted at alert.utah.edu.