WESTWOOD—On Monday, October 13, the UCLA Police Department reported they are investigating a sexual assault incident that transpired on October 3 around 12 a.m. The exact time of the incident is unknown.
An incident of inappropriate touching/fondling took place near the 600 block of Gayley Avenue and was reported to one of the University partners. The Title IX office is initiating the response to this report, and is providing the affected party with resources, rights and options.
Crime Alerts are published for community awareness. Currently, there has not been a criminal report filed in the matter.
Survivors of sexual assault may choose to report incidents to the University without involving law enforcement. The suspect was previously named in a similar report.
The UCPD reminds the campus community of the following:
-If you start to feel concerns about a person or situation, trust your instincts and remove yourself as quickly as possible from the potential threat, even if it is someone you know and even feels awkward to leave.
-If you are going out alone, make sure that someone knows where you are going, who you will be with, and when you expect to return.
-Alcohol is frequently used to facilitate sexual violence by reducing a person’s ability to respond effectively, impairing memory, and increasing feelings of self-doubt or blame. When drinking, consider your surroundings, be aware of personal limits, and look after friends who appear to be intoxicated.
-If you think someone is at risk of assault or abuse, you should consider it an emergency and act to support that person. You can call the police or ask for help from other people, intervene, directly if safe, or create a distraction to help remove the potential victim from the situation.
UCPD shares these safety tips while recognizing that perpetrators, and not the victims or survivors, are solely responsible for their actions.
By Danny Jones