A female student reported Monday that she was raped in her dorm room by an acquaintance early Friday morning, said Joseph Lester, OU Department of Public Safety chief.

The victim said in an OU police report that she had invited the man to her dorm room late Thursday evening. According to the police report, the man sexually assaulted her during the visit.

The OU police are investigating the case, Lester said. Officers are in the process of contacting the suspect. They have not yet spoken with the suspect about the allegations. However, Lester said he assumes that the suspect is a fellow student.

Lester said the case appears to be an acquaintance rape. However, it is too early in the investigation to form a conclusion, he said.

The incident occurred two weeks after another student reported on April 4 that she was attacked and sexually assaulted by an unknown suspect while jogging on campus. She escaped when a car passed by the scene.

OU President David Boren ordered an increase of patrols and surveillance on campus following the incident.

University College freshman Claire Gordy said last year a similar rape occurred in the dorms she lives in. She said it is disturbing that even though so many other people were in the building no one heard screams or struggling.

"What scares me most is that you can be with somebody you know and don't know that he is somebody who can't be trusted," Gordy said.

Psychology sophomore Chasity Luman said acquaintance rape is something people are not worried about. It is important for students to trust their instincts. In addition, she said she would avoid being with someone she doesn't know, because they could be dangerous.

Susan Cosby, coordinator of the Women's Outreach Center, said it is hard to formulate prevention measures, because one never knows what can happen and every situation is unique. However, female students should be cautious.

They should also utilize the buddy system of always being accompanied by a friend when out at night.

Further, students should utilize the Safe Walk program on campus, which offers escorts for students, she said.

In acquaintance rape cases, dealing with the crime is even more complicated for the victim.

Cosby said generally, acquaintance rape is a rape perpetrated by someone the victim knows, but not necessarily dates.

Victims often place blame on themselves instead of the attacker. Feelings of guilt or shame are often involved. She said it is a major decision to prosecute.

However, she said, it is crucial to go to the hospital as soon as possible for evidence collection.

That does not mean that the person has to prosecute later.

It is the victim's choice, Cosby said.


Visit the Women's Outreach Center Web site at www.ou.edu/womensoc.
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