Student reports rape at dorms
January 28, 2010 by JACOB DEMMITT
Filed under News
A female student told University Police she was raped by a fellow student in building 1512 of the East Campus Village living commons sometime between 11 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 27, according to University Police.
Although the victim told police she knows the assailant, she reported he had sexual intercourse with her against her will.
University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said alcohol was involved, which complicated the situation.
“She came down here and reported a rape,” Williamson said. “Police take everything she said as credible, but unfortunately, the circumstances make things complicated. Alcohol really clouds recall of details, but it does not put any contributing factors on the victim.”
The student has decided not to press charges at this time.
“She doesn’t wish to pursue this any further at this time, but she has two years” to press charges, Williamson said. “It’s not uncommon for women in this situation to be unsure of what to do.”
The student received medical help and was made aware of resources available in the community for any type of emotional or physical trauma that may have occurred, Williamson said.
This most recent incident is one of multiple reported alcohol-related rape incidents in the East Campus area since August.
“Rape isn’t the stranger crime everyone thinks it is,” Williamson said. “In roughly 84 percent of rapes, the woman knows the attacker. With all the drinking, hooking up and so forth, we create situations that, unfortunately, leave a lot of victims in the aftermath. Relationships are complicated as it is. Overconsumption just muddies the water even more.”
In Georgia, any sexual contact without consent is considered rape. However, it’s not unusual for both parties to have a different idea of whether consent was given.
“When having sexual relations, we try to teach young adults to make it clear what your expectations are,” Williamson said. “Communication is key to setting expectations, but when you mix in alcohol, communication breaks down. You need to communicate verbally, but also use body language. If she slaps your hand away, that probably means no.”
Students concerned about relationship violence can call 706-542-7233 to contact Larry Gourdine in the Office of Violence Prevention.
