OU’s annual security and fire safety report showed an increase in rapes, fondlings and domestic violence on university property in 2024, including in on-campus housing.
The report, released Wednesday, showed that rape incidents on campus more than tripled, rising from four in 2023 to 13 reported instances on campus property in 2024. In on-campus housing, 11 instances of rape were reported in 2024, an increase from three incidents reported in 2023.
In 2022, there were 14 instances of rape reported on the Norman campus and 13 in on-campus housing.
The report notes a similar trend for reported fondlings, with nine incidents reported on campus property in 2024 — an increase from two reported fondlings in 2023 — but a decrease from 11 in 2022. Reported fondlings in on-campus housing increased to seven in 2024 from six in 2022 and none in 2023.
The report detailed a rise in aggravated assaults on public property with 19 reported incidents in 2024. There were 11 aggravated assaults reported in both 2022 and 2023. Public property includes streets, sidewalks and parking facilities within or immediately accessible from campus.
Reports of motor vehicle theft on campus property have also increased from 2022, with 42 incidents reported in 2024.
In 2022, there were 20 reported instances of motor vehicle theft. The number increased to 28 in 2023.
Reported instances of dating violence on campus property and in on-campus housing also saw increases from 2023.
For on-campus property, the report lists 10 dating violence incidents in 2024, an increase from one reported instance in 2023. The report lists 10 instances of reported dating violence in 2022.
In on-campus housing, there were nine reported cases of dating violence in 2024. There were eight reported dating violence cases in 2022. One instance was reported in 2023.
There were seven reported cases of domestic violence on campus property and five in on-campus housing in 2024. Domestic violence cases have steadily increased since 2022, during which there was one reported instance each for on-campus property and housing. In 2023, the numbers rose to four and three, respectively.
Resources
For more information on reporting student, faculty or staff issues related to gender equity, harassment, sexual assault or misconduct and domestic violence, community members can visit the Institutional Equity Office’s website, email ieo@ou.edu or call 405-325-2215.
Community members can also contact the 24-hour reporting hotline with reports of bias, discrimination, harassment or misconduct. The hotline can be reached at 844-428-6531.
Additionally, OU Advocates is a confidential advocate and referral resource for sexual assault or misconduct issues for students, faculty or staff that can be contacted through their website or anytime at 405-615-0013.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Thomas Pablo. Larkin Bock and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
