Three sex-related crimes in the past three weeks have been reported on or around the campus of East Tennessee State University.

The latest occurred on Friday, Sept. 8, near University Edge, a nearby apartment complex to the university where many students live. An ETSU Alert email was sent out to students at 6:27 a.m. described three white male suspects in a white SUV.

Prior to Friday night’s report, there were two separate sex-related crimes that occurred on Aug. 28. According to the ETSU Public Safety Department, one of the incidents occurred in an on-campus residence hall room where a non-student female minor reported she was a victim of a statutory rape. The alleged male suspect was arrested following the incident.

The other incident that occurred on Aug. 28 was non-related. At 3 p.m. Public Safety received a report from a female student of forcible fondling/sexual assault in a vehicle in a residence hall parking lot area from a male student acquaintance.

Public Safety continues to investigate these incidents.

University Public Safety offers the following safety tips:

  • Be an active bystander. When you observe conflict or unacceptable behavior, take steps to make a difference:

assess the situation, evaluate options, and select a strategy for response. That could include reporting suspicious persons

or behavior to Public Safety or the local police. Learn about Buccaneer Bystander Intervention options.

  • A U.S. Department of Justice report cited studies indicating that the majority of campus sexual assaults are by an

acquaintance (Krebs, et al., 2007).

  • Alcohol and other drugs are often used to create vulnerability to sexual assault. Studies have shown a high correlation

between acquaintance/non stranger rape and the use of alcohol and other drugs. If the use of alcohol or other drugs

is being encouraged, be aware and alert.

  • Learn more about University resources, many of which can be found at:

http://www.etsu.edu/violencefree

http://www.etsu.edu/safety