University of Kentucky student sexually assaulted on campus, university says

A University of Kentucky student reported they were sexually assaulted in an on-campus dorm last week, according to the university.

The victim is a UK student and knows the suspect, according to a crime bulletin issued Monday night. The assault took place in the victim’s room in a UK residence hall on Thursday, Oct. 17, and was reported to police on Sunday. The gender of the victim and suspect were not provided.

“The UK Police Department is actively investigating this incident, and the appropriate campus units are working with individuals involved to provide resources and support,” the university said.

This is the fourth campus crime bulletin issued since the Aug. 26 start of the fall semester related to sexual assault on campus.

Sexual assault is defined as rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape, according to UK’s most recent Campus Safety and Security Report.

The university offers several supports for students who have experienced sexual assault, or need mental health support. Free and confidential survivor support is provided through the Violence and Intervention Prevention Center, which can be contacted by calling 859-257-3574 or visiting uky.edu/vipcenter.

Other resources are available through the Office of Student Success, https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/get-help. Incidents of harassment or sexual assault also can be reported to the Title IX Coordinator by calling 859-257-8927 or visiting the website at oeo.uky.edu.

To report an incident of sexual assault to campus police, the UK Police Department Special Victim’s Unit can be contacted by calling 859-257-8573.

“Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault,” the crime bulletin said. “The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator.”

The crime bulletin was issued Monday in compliance with the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to notify students of any crime that “represents a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community,” according to the UK police department website.