UK Police issue crime bulletin

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2024) — In the interest of safety, the University of Kentucky Police Department has issued the following Crime Bulletin for the UK community.

Note: This report contains information that some may find upsetting. If you are a victim of sexual assault and would like help, you can call the UK Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 859-257-8573 to speak with an advocate. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, the UK Police Department received a report of a strangulation that occurred on UK's campus. The incident is reported to have occurred inside the victim’s room in an on-campus residence hall. Sexual assault was also reported. The victim and suspect are UK students, and the suspect is known to the victim. UK Police is actively investigating this matter and the appropriate campus units are working with individuals involved to provide resources and support.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual assault, UK offers free and confidential survivor support and advocacy at the Violence and Intervention Prevention Center. Please call 859-257-3574 or visit uky.edu/vipcenter. A variety of other resources can be found at studentsuccess.uky.edu/get-help. 

Additionally, you may report any incident of harassment or sexual assault as a member of the UK community to the Title IX Coordinator at 859-257-8927 or visit their website at oeo.uky.edu.

The University of Kentucky values a safe community for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. In the interest of promoting a safe and secure campus environment, UK Police offers the following tips to help keep our community safe:

·  Make sure you have affirmative consent before engaging in sexual activities with someone. The university’s definition of “affirmative consent” can be found in Administrative Regulation 6.2.

·  Consent is an active agreement to participate in that activity at that time. If someone says no, it means no. If someone is silent, it does not mean yes. If someone changes their mind, it means no.

·  Learn about active bystanding. While bystanders are not always present when sexual assault occurs, there may be red flags we can notice beforehand. 

·  When possible, make statements — “BACK-OFF! STOP! NO-WAY!” You deserve to be respected.

·  Request a FREE SAFECATS student safety escort or coordinate after-hours on-demand bus service during the fall and spring semesters by calling 859-257-SAFE (7233).

·  You can also request vouchers for discounted Uber rides through the Wildcab Vouchers program. Wildcab Vouchers provides eligible students with up to 10 $10 ride vouchers per semester. The vouchers are valid on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between 9 p.m.-5 a.m. within the program’s designated service area. You can request your free Wildcab Vouchers at transportation.uky.edu/wildcab-vouchers.

Sexual assault is never the victim's fault.  The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator.