Anonymous sexual assault report baffles Bridgewater State University

by commentnewspaper

Kayla Lemay

Editor-in-Chief

Pope Hall has been the site of two reported sexual assaults this year. Photo from The Comment archives.
Pope Hall has been the site of two reported sexual assaults this year. Photo from The Comment archives.

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 7, the Bridgewater State University community was sent a Campus Safety alert, regarding another sexual assault.

It is stated in the alert that on Oct. 6, “the Bridgewater State University Police Department received an anonymous report indicating that a student had been sexually assaulted in Pope Hall in the early morning hours of Sept. 28.”

Due to the fact that this was an anonymous report, there is no way for the BSUPD to begin an investigation, especially because they cannot conduct an investigation without the victim’s consent.

This notice came within a very quick time frame, considering the heated debate last week regarding BSU’s decision to not report two sexual assaults until well after the events occurred.

Bryan Baldwin, University Spokesperson, said “One of the things I’d really like students to know more about are the resources and avenues available to them.”

The alert recommended that victims or concerned students call the Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator at 508-531-1486, or make an appointment at Counseling Services in Weygand Hall.

“Multiple reporting channels exist, including University Police, the Title IX Coordinator, and medical and counseling personnel who work in the Health and Wellness Center,” said Baldwin. “All have been professionally trained to give support to victims of sexual assault, as have other key personnel, including Resident Assistants and Resident Directors in each of the University’s residence halls.”

Baldwin added that the University will be encouraging equivalent members of the BSU community to receive the same training, and in some cases, requiring the training be completed.

“The University has zero tolerance for sexual assaults,” said Baldwin. “All reported incidents will be investigated to the fullest extent possible and in accordance with state and federal law, as well as the Student Code of Conduct.”


Kayla Lemay is the Editor-in-Chief of The Comment. Follow her on Twitter @klemay123.

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