Student sexually assaulted in Couzens

By Jason Stoffer
Daily Staff Reporter

A female University student was allegedly sexually assaulted early Sunday morning in Couzens Residence Hall, said Department of Public Safety spokesperson Elizabeth Hall.

DPS reports state that a University student is a suspect in the assault. According to the reports, the alleged incident is considered third degree criminal sexual conduct, which indicates that penetration occurred.

Hall, however, said she could not confirm if penetration occurred during the attack.

"We have a suspect," Hall said. "I'm not able to disclose any more information at this time."

University Hospitals security officials alerted DPS this past Tuesday that a sexual assault victim was being seen in the hospital's emergency room.

Hall said DPS filed a report and is investigating the alleged assault.

Couzens residents said they are upset and shocked that a sexual assault may have taken place in their residence hall.

LSA first-year student Lindsay Waldman, who lives in Couzens, said she has "never even thought" about her safety in the residence hall.

"I would never think anything like that would happen in my hallway," Waldman said.

Sarah Heuser, training and education program coordinator at the University's Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, said students reacted strongly to the alleged assault because rapes, although not uncommon, are rarely reported.

"Only 16 percent of all sexual assaults are reported to the police," Heuser said. "One-fourth to one-fifth of female college students are sexual assault victims during their college years."

Heuser said studies suggest that in 80-84 percent of sexual assaults, the assailant is someone the victim "knows and trusts." She said alcohol is often a factor in assaults.

"It could be a significant other, an ex-partner or someone you met at a party that night," Heuser said.

LSA first-year student Emily Muller said that while her hallmates had some "random hook-ups" during the first few weeks of school, it is now rare for people to return to their room at night with people they do not know.

"Everybody knows each other in my hall and we're all pretty close," said Muller, a Couzens resident.

SAPAC offers counseling and a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims. Heuser said SAPAC receives more reports of sexual assault than the Ann Arbor Police Department and DPS, and she said the center will not report sexual assaults to authorities against the wishes of the victim.

"We have the most up-to-date information about all the options available to sexual assault victims," Heuser said. "We can talk to victims and help them make a decision."

SAPAC can be contacted at 936-3333.

02-26-98