Police warn of sexual assault near UO campus

Around midnight Sunday, November 13, a U. of O. student reported to a university housing staff member that she had been sexually assaulted.  The student reported being attacked after leaving a party and walking in the area of West 18^th Avenue and Kincaid Street, near the Pioneer Cemetery. The attacker followed, and then grabbed and sexually assaulted the student, according to the report.

The suspect was described as a white male with a medium build, about 6 feet tall, with light brown hair.

Anyone who has information about this or any similar incident should call the U. of O. Department of Public Safety at (541) 346-2919. 

The Eugene Police Department offers these tips on personal safety:

• You should not walk alone at night; always walk in pairs with a trusted companion.
• Use the Assault Prevention Shuttle (541-346-RIDE ext. 2), call a cab or contact the UO Department of Public Safety (541-346-2919) for an escort.
• Always carry a fully charged cell phone.      
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Use the UO’s lighted pathways and other well-lit areas. Avoid alleys and dark doorways.
• Know where the UO’s emergency call boxes are located across campus.
• Let others know where you are, where you are going, and when you will be home.
• Don't let strangers into your “space.” Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don't wish to approach you.
• Don't stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help, as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
• If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call the Department of Public Safety at 541-346-6666 if on campus or 9-1-1 when off campus.

Resources available for survivors of crime:

• For a student, support services are available through the University Counseling and Testing Center, 541-346-3227.
• For an employee, the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, 541-346-3123, and Office of Human Resources, 541-346-3159, can assist in connecting to resources.
• Other community resources available are Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), 541-484-9791, and Womenspace, 541-485-8232.