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Second Woman Sexually Assaulted In Past Five Days In Same Dorm On NCCU Campus

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

DURHAM, N.C. – A suspect has been identified in a sexual assault that was reported on the campus of North Carolina Central University early Wednesday (Sept. 26) morning. This is the second sexual assault reported in the past five days at the same residence hall on the campus.

NCCU police sent out a crime alert of the latest assault around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. The victim had reported the crime to police at 2:52 a.m., according to Stephen Fusi, chief brand officer with the university. The assault happened between 1 and 2 a.m. in a bathroom in the Benjamin Ruffin Residence Hall, according to the alert.

A woman said a man grabbed her arm in the bathroom and forced himself onto her.

Investigators said they know who the suspect is, but he is not yet in custody.

Anyone with information about the case should contact the NCCU Police Department at 919-530-6106.

The other sexual assault was reported around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday (September 23) and happened at the same residence hall, according to N.C. Central University police’s website.

The crime alert included steps students and staff can take to help keep themselves safe:

  • Ask for and receive affirmative consent before engaging in any activity. NCCU’s Student Code of Conduct, Policy 40.13.1, Section 5.5 defines “consent.”
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and the people you come in contact with.
  • Avoid walking alone if possible. Walk in groups of four or more and try to stay in well-populated areas. Try to avoid working late at night alone; if so, lock your doors.
  • Do not wear earbuds or headphones or listen to music while walking alone.
  • If you are alone at night and find that someone is following you or someone is in your residence hall or work area you don’t know, go to the nearest safe business, residence, or place and call the police for help. Stay on the phone until the police arrive.
  • If someone in a car is following you, turn and walk in the other direction.
  • Never prop open entry doors to your residence hall, and never let someone you don’t know into your residence hall who can harm you and others in your residence hall.
  • Stay away from alleys, shrubbery, dark shadows near buildings, and shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, and deserted areas.
  • Contact the POLICE if you feel unsafe or threatened in any situation.
  • Trust your instinct.
  • Use caution when utilizing social media dating applications.
  • Safety Escort Services and Shuttle Services are available as alternatives to walking alone. For safety escorts, please contact University Police at 919-530-6106. For shuttle services, please contact Transportation at 919-530-3287.