University of Kentucky student sexually assaulted by peer, college says
A University of Kentucky student was sexually assaulted by another student over the weekend, according to the UK Police Department.
The assault occurred twice, once at the suspect’s off-campus residence and again in the victim’s dorm on Saturday and Sunday. It was reported to UK Police Monday.
“Both the victim and suspect are UK students, and the suspect is known to the victim,” UK said in a crime bulletin. “UK Police is actively investigating this matter and the appropriate campus units are working with individuals involved to provide resources and support.”
The university offers several supports for students who are struggling with mental health or experiencing a crisis, including the Triage, Referral, Assistance and Crisis Support (TRACS), which provides virtual and in-person support for students. Instances of sexual assault can be reported to UK Police, or to the university’s Title IX coordinator.
The Title IX coordinator can be reached at 859-257-8927 or a report can be made on the Title IX website. The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center can be contacted at 859-257-3574 for confidential services, support and referrals.
“Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault,” the bulletin said. “The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator.”
The crime bulletin was issued on Tuesday afternoon in compliance with The Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to notify students of crimes that “represents a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community,” according to the UKPD website.
Sexual assault is defined as rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape, according to UK’s most recent Campus Safety and Security Report.
Available data on reported sexual assaults on campus for the last three years showed:
- 2022: 34 rapes; 26 instances of fondling; no instances of incest or statutory rape
- 2021: 34 rapes; 21 instances of fondling; no instances of incest or statutory rape
- 2020: 15 rapes; 10 instances of fondling; no instances of incest or statutory rape.
This story may be updated.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 3:36 PM.