Editor’s note: This article contains mentions of sexual abuse and may be upsetting to some readers. Please see the bottom of this story for additional resources.
An American University community member was “inappropriately touched” by an unknown individual in an Asbury Building lower-level men’s bathroom stall on March 28, the AU Police Department said in a crime alert email Friday afternoon.
AUPD described the person of interest as a white, middle-aged man, wearing brown oxford shoes and a gold ring on his left hand. The police are investigating the incident as a fourth-degree sexual abuse. The incident was reported to AUPD on March 30, according to the University’s daily crime log.
The Metropolitan Police Department said in an email to The Eagle that there were no incidents on AU’s campus reported to MPD that matched the time and date of the sexual abuse.
AUPD encourages anyone with information on the case to call 202-885-3636 or anonymously report through the Rave Guardian app.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Students who have experienced sexual assault or harassment can seek support through confidential resources such as the University’s Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services, the Student Health Center, the Kay Spiritual Life Center or the following hotlines:
- Collegiate Assistance Program: 1-855-678-8679
- Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network (RAINN) anonymous chat
- RAINN hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-7273
Non-confidential resources include the University’s Title IX Office and AUPD.
This article was edited by Owen Auston-Babcock, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Ariana Kavoossi.
