Police vow to keep campus safe in wake of sex crimes

IU Police Department has reported at least four incidents involving sexual offenses since Aug. 22. Police have responded to three incidents of forcible fondling, and last Friday, police responded to a sexual assault.\nIUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said Friday’s incident has brought about increased patrol. In his 35 years as an officer, Minger said he has never heard of anyone abducted in broad daylight, as this female student was during her walk to the SRSC. \nMinger said IUPD is investigating the case and doing everything possible to ensure the campus remains safe for all students. However, students can take certain precautions to avoid unsafe situations.\nSenior Francesca Monn, treasurer of the IU group Friends of Middle Way House, a liason between IU and the local abuse and rape shelter Middle Way House, said enhancing knowledge and awareness regarding what is and what is not sexual assault is important amongst students.\nMonn said students need to know their surroundings in order to stay safe on campus. She also mentioned that if students are at parties where alcohol is served, they should bring a friend and stay in groups to avoid being left alone under the influence. \nMonn said she encourages students to speak out if they are in an uncomfortable situation. If someone is speaking to a student in an uncomfortable sexual manner, then it is sexual harassment, and students should not ignore the incident.\nBut incidents go unreported, said Kristen Jozkowski, coordinator of Raising Awareness of Interactions in Sexual Encounters, often because victims blame themselves. “The victim shouldn’t be blamed because they wore a certain top or were in a certain location,” Jozkowski said.\nWith all sexual assault cases, Minger, Monn and Jozkowski firmly state that it is never the victim’s fault. \nLike Monn, Minger said students should remember to be aware of their surroundings. IU is a college campus, and even with the abdundance of students, Minger reminds that crime notoriously occurs when there is opportunity. \nMonn said she feels safe on campus, but also believes IU is as safe as you make it. \n“If you take safety precautions, then yes, IU is very safe,” Monn said. “If you are walking alone at night, then you are jeopardizing your safety.”