A female student reported last Friday, March 31, that she was sexually assaulted by a known male. This marks the seventh reported sexual assault at Miami University during the spring 2017 semester. One sexual assault was reported in the month of March, as well as one sexual imposition incident. Five sexual assaults were reported during February.
The assault occurred at an off-campus residence, according to MUPD incident logs. No suspect description was provided to law enforcement officials, and no other information about the incident was given.
Students received a MyMiami announcement about the incident that contained crime reductions tips and a reminder of the resources of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. No Campus Crime Alert - the text message and email notification sent directly to students' phones - was distributed.
This is first of the seven reported assaults this semester that was not sent out to students through the Campus Crime Alert system.
On Saturday, April 1, MUPD responded to a psychological emergency involving a female student at King Library. While MUPD was assisting the student, she told the officers that she was potentially sexually assaulted by "a known male subject at an off-campus apartment," according to MUPD incident logs. The emergency was logged as both a psychological emergency and sex offense by MUPD.
These assaults come under the shadow of a federal investigation into Miami University's potential mishandling of sexual assault cases. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which is responsible for enforcing Title IX regulations, is leading the inquiry. The investigation started last November after a student filed a complaint against the university alleging that Miami "failed to promptly and equitably respond to complaints, reports and/or incidents of sexual violence of which it had notice."
Resources for those who have been affected by sexual assault can be found on Miami's Sexual Assault Resource Guide page. Services and information can also be sought in person at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, located in room 104 at the Health Services Center.