Sexual Assault Reported at LHU
By LaKeshia Knarr
LOCK HAVEN – A forcible sexual assault of a Lock Haven University student allegedly occurred in a residence hall during the early hours of Sunday morning, according to a “Timely Notice” issued by the LHU Police Department.
According to the notice, university police were notified of the incident, which allegedly occurred about 2:30 a.m. October 23 in the North Hall stairwell, about 9 a.m. the same day.
The female student who reported the assault told police she knew the male student who allegedly attacked her, the notice states. That said, the description of the accused individual was vague – with “unknown” described for his race, height, weight, hair and eye color, and age.
Forcible sex offenses are defined, by LHU police, as any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
LHU is required to issue such warnings under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Timely warnings are posted on campus and are also available on the university’s website. According to the site, the last sexual assault of a student occurred in February 2016 on off-campus student housing, and at least three sexual assaults occurred in 2015.
The notice provided precautionary steps for students and community members to take in light of the incident.
• Folks are reminded that interpersonal relationships can turn violent without warning.
• Ensure consent is granted – it should be clear and freely given, not the absence of a “no.”
• Be responsible when drinking alcoholic beverages, as they can impair an individual’s ability to make sound decisions and those who are incapacitated are unable to properly give consent.
• Get your own alcoholic drinks and never leave your drink unattended to ensure it has not been tampered with.
• University members are encouraged to step up and get involved in bystander reporting when they see a situation that doesn’t seem right, or where someone is being harmed or struggling. More information is available at www.lhup.edu/About/title_ix/step/.
The notice was clear, “Crime victims are never at fault for being victimized. Perpetrators alone are responsible for crimes and their effects.”
Campus resources relating to sexual assaults, domestic violence and dating violence can be found at www.lhup.edu/About/title_ix/maincampus.html.
For emergencies, or if you see a crime being committed, LHU police urge people to call 911. To report suspicious, illegal or unusual activity on campus, contact the LHU police at 570-484-2278.
