At approximately 10:49 a.m., on Sept. 28, 2015, the Virginia Tech Police Department received information that a student had stated that she was sexually assaulted in a residence hall room at Pritchard Hall during the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015.

The suspect is a male student at Virginia Tech and is known to the survivor.

The survivor has requested that a criminal investigation not be pursued. Virginia Tech Police are respecting the survivor's request.University officials continue to follow-up regarding the incident.

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 serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees.

The Virginia Tech Police Department reminds all community members of the following information about sexual assault. Note that this information is general in nature and does not necessarily relate to any specific incident.

  • Survivors are never responsible for the offenders' behavior.
  • The most common type of sexual assault is not by a stranger but by someone the survivor knows, typically a date or acquaintance.
  • Alcohol and drugs are often used to create vulnerability to sexual assault. Studies of sexual assault incidents show a high correlation between acquaintance rape and drug/alcohol usage. Be alert to people pressuring you or others to use alcohol or other drugs.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.
  • Use and encourage others to have a companion or a safe means of getting home, i.e., a trusted friend, taxi, or Safe Ride if available.
  • Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist. For information, see the Stop Abuse website.
  • If you engage in sexual activity, be sure you understand your partner's limits, and communicate your own limits clearly. Don't engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner.
  • If you have imminent concerns for the safety of others, call the police to ask for assistance.

If you are sexually assaulted, you have several options. Please see related information at Stop Abuse website. The website has guidance for filing anonymous or formal reports. In addition, assistance is available through the following resources:

  • Women's Center at Virginia Tech: 540-231-7806
  • Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley: 540-639-1123
  • Title IX Resources: Frank Shushok: Acting Title IX Coordinator: 540-231-8064
  • Cook Counseling Center: 540-231-6557
  • Dean of Students Office: 540-231-3787
  • Virginia Tech Police Department:  540-382-4343

If you report a sexual assault that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus, Virginia Tech Police will investigate, provide assistance, and offer related services to support your safety and well-being. If the crime occurred in another jurisdiction, Virginia Tech Police will assist you in accessing assistance in that jurisdiction.

The Virginia Tech Police Department offers a range of personal safety programs, including a Rape Aggression Defense course. For information visit the Virginia Tech Police website.

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