Mustang News Staff Report
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The University Police Department (UPD) was notified today of an attempted sexual assault that occurred last Sunday, according to a university Crime Alert email.
The woman who reported experiencing the assault said she was walking toward the parking structure when an unknown male came up behind her and put her in a headlock with his hand over her mouth. She was able to escape and was not injured during the attack, the email said.
The attempted assault occurred between Cal Poly’s Mott Gym and the nearby parking structure at 3 a.m. on Nov. 9. The email described the suspect as being 6’3″ with medium build and a deep voice.
UPD is now investigating the matter.
The email also listed several personal safety guides provided by UPD and Cal Poly Safer. They were prefaced with the following message: “There are many things you can do to stay safe and help others stay safe, however nothing can prevent a sexual assault besides the perpetrator. It is always their choice to hurt and never the victims/survivor’s fault.”
- You can be an active bystander: Offer a ride home or a plan to walk home with a friend or roommate.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you suspicious or uneasy, call University Police at (805) 756-2281 or 911.
- Know where a friend is going and when they will return.
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- If you are attacked: Do whatever it takes to survive. Remember, you are the victim. You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. Rapists commit the crime, not the victim.
The incident occurred a little more than a week after a woman reported being sexually assaulted at a Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) party on Nov. 1.
Celina Oseguera contributed to this report.