[Cp-bulletin] Boston Police Attempted Sexual Assault Bulletin

[Cheryl N Vossmer]

Please see the following press release and link to photos.  We would appreciate if you would distribute this information to your college community including student body.  Thank you in advance and should you have any questions please call the Office of Media Relations at 617-343-4520.

http://www.bpdnews.com/2010/11/29/boston-police-investigate-attempted-sexual-assault/


BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT
Investigators Seek To Identify Individual in Surveillance Image

Boston Police are investigating a recent report of an attempted sexual assault at a local college. Investigators are seeking the public's assistance to identify the individual seen in the surveillance image. In addition, Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens, especially women, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.

Incident Description:
At about 4:00pm, on Friday November 26, 2010, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a call for an attempted sexual assault at 621 Huntington Ave (Mass College of Art). On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was inside a campus building when an African-American male, between 25-35 years old, weighing approximately 250 lbs, wearing a blue hoodie, jeans and sneakers approached her from behind, assaulted her physically and attempted a sexual assault. A struggle ensued and the suspect fled.

A photograph of a potential suspect accompanies this release.

The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is currently investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information, including the identity of the individual in the accompanying photograph, is urged to call (617) 343-4400.

Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463). Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously are reminded that the Boston Police Department is ONLY interested in the INFORMATION you provide, NOT who YOU are.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources, please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371.

Tips for Ensuring Your Personal Safety:
* Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
* Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
* Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don't become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
* Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
* Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling "Fire!" "Help!" and/or "Rape!" are other ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
* Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
* Carry a cell phone.
* Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you're on your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they'll know enough to begin looking for you.
* Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don't let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime. Don't assume, "IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME."
* If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
* If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.


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