A female worker at a local Hampton Inn alleged that two male co-workers sexually assaulted her last week.
Ann Arbor Police Department Sgt. Larry Jerue said yesterday the victim had not yet pressed charges.
"At this time the victim has not decided whether or not to ask to press charges on the two suspects," Jerue said. "Hopefully, she will make a decision soon."
The alleged attack occurred between 3:30 and 5 a.m. on March 7, at the inn, which is located in the 900 block of Victors Way, according to AAPD reports.
The victim said she was drinking with several co-workers and acquaintances at a party in the inn that night. After the party she went to a fourth-floor room in the inn. She said two male co-workers from the party shortly joined her in the room, AAPD reports stated.
The victim said she continued drinking with the men until she passed out when she was allegedly raped, according to AAPD reports.
When the victim awoke she was partly undressed, and one of the male suspects was allegedly having sex with her, AAPD reports stated. Jerue said the victim did not know if she was assaulted by both men.
"The other suspect's whereabouts were unknown, but it is possible he was in the room as well," Jerue said. "We have to determine if charges are going to be pressed. If it was first degree criminal sexual conduct, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment."
Joyce Wright, prevention and education coordinator for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, said victims usually do not report acquaintance rapes because they feel uncomfortable with the judicial system.
"Many victims don't want to go through the legal system," Wright said. "Victims are also dealing with an extremely traumatic experience that they have to live with for the rest of their lives."
LSA junior Jennifer Monroe said she takes precautions when drinking with friends.
"I don't think I can go out anymore and drink without a girlfriend with me at all times," Monroe said. "You want to have fun but at the same time you don't want to risk being put in a situation like that."
In 55 percent of campus assaults, both parties engage in alcohol or drug use, according to SAPAC statistics.
Wright said that although alcohol use is common in acquaintance rapes, it is not an excuse for the crime.
"Alcohol puts the victim in a very vulnerable position where they are in a sense, powerless," Wright said.
Jerue said there is no time statute for reporting sexual assault crimes or pressing charges against the attackers.
"It's not a crime of passion," Jerue said. "It can be very degrading to the victim and difficult for them to step forward and press charges.
"Just imagine being put in a situation where your powerless and someone is taking advantage of you," he said. "The thought can really be sobering."