On Feb. 18, a student reported to University of Iowa staff that on Jan. 27 at about 9:30 p.m. the student was walking on the west riverbank near the railroad tunnel by the Fine Arts building when the student was approached by three unknown college age males and the student was sexually assaulted.

The suspects were described as two large white males, and another male that was described by the victim as mixed race or possibly Hispanic. One of the males was wearing a "Hawkeye" sweatshirt.

In response to this incident, the UI Police is providing the following information on sexual assaults. This information is general and not related to this incident.

• It is estimated that nationwide 20 percent of women and six percent of college men experience sexual assault or attempted sexual assault during their college years. Data reveal nearly 50 percent of transgender people experience sexual violence.
• There are risk factors associated with sexual assault, about which it may be useful to be aware, but being at risk in no way shifts responsibility for sexual assault to a victim/survivor. The only person responsible for sexual assault is the perpetrator.
• Always be aware of your surroundings when walking alone especially late at night and in the early morning hours; if feasible, attempt to walk with a friend or in a group.
• If approached, quickly walk/run toward other people or enter an establishment and call the police.

FOR SOMEONE VULNERABLE OR AS A BYSTANDER; If you feel uneasy about a situation, trust your instincts and attempt to interrupt the chain of events. Create a distraction, involve friends. Make a commitment to ensure everyone has a safe way home, i.e., a trusted friend, taxi, Cambus or NITE Ride if available. Being an active bystander doesn't require you put yourself at risk. If you believe a crime has been committed we encourage you to call the police at 911.

Your health is the most important issue and we encourage victims to seek medical attention, even if there are no obvious physical injuries. Receiving a sexual assault examination by a specially trained nurse does not obligate someone to any kind of investigation and the examination is free. In addition to seeking medical attention, there are other options for self-care after an assault, including contacting a confidential victim advocate (24/7 support at 319-335-6000). More information about options is provided here: osmrc.uiowa.edu/victim-options.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the UI Police at 319-335-5022 or Iowa City Crimestoppers at 319-358-TIPS. Callers to Crimestoppers with information leading to a conviction may be eligible for a reward.

If someone chooses a police investigation, we will investigate, provide support, and offer related services. We encourage crimes be reported immediately by calling 911. Sex offenses are treated with seriousness on our campus; criminal and/or severe disciplinary action can be taken (including suspension or expulsion). There are free confidential resources to support victims/survivors through both the criminal and university disciplinary processes.

UI Police offer Rape Aggression Defense training which is self-defense training for women. For more information please contact the UI Police at 319-335-5022 or police@uiowa.edu or visit our website at police.uiowa.edu/ for more information.

This information is being released in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a threat to the safety of students or employees.