BOISE, Idaho — Boise State University and the Boise Police Department (BPD), are investigating a rape that happened in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 31. The university put out a statement that the rape happened at a small party on campus housing.
"The victim was at a small party and went into the bathroom. The suspect followed her in and raped her,' the university stated. "The only person responsible for sexual assault is the perpetrator. It is a crime and a violation of University policy to engage in sexual activity with another person without their consent. A person who is incapacitated is unable to consent ... A University student or employee in violation of this policy faces sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination."
The university also shared the following information on consent, sexual misconduct and available resources for victims:
Make sure you have consent before you engage in any sexual contact or activity. Consent is a clear and freely given yes, not the absence of a no.
Consent is demonstrated through words or actions creating clear permission or willingness to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity.
A person who is incapacitated by alcohol and/or illegal or prescription drugs, unconscious, or asleep cannot give consent for sexual activity.
One common warning sign which indicates that a person may be incapacitated is slurred speech.
Incapacitation focuses on whether a person has the ability to make informed, rational judgments and decisions, including giving consent.
A person can withdraw their consent to engage in sexual activity at any time.
Neither silence nor a prior relationship is sufficient to indicate consent.
Consent for sexual activity cannot be obtained by force, threat, intimidation, or coercion.
If a person is non-participatory or states that they want to be doing something else, stop. If someone states they want to stop, do not try to convince or coerce them into continuing. If you are unsure, stop.
If someone talks about planning to target another person at a party, confront them or get help from a friend, parent, or other trusted person to intervene.
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.
If someone looks like they may need help, ask if they're okay. Enlist a friend, RA, bartender, or host to help you step in if needed.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is - intervene if you can.
Support and Reporting Options for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking flowchart info can be found here.
Options for reporting sexual misconduct include:
Reports of sexual misconduct, as well as questions related to sexual misconduct, should be directed to Danielle Berish Charters, Title IX Coordinator, at (208) 426-1750 or via email to tixie@boisestate.edu. The Office of Title IX and Institutional Equity can also provide support and resources to students and staff.
Students may receive confidential counseling services by contacting University Counseling Services by phone at (208) 426-1459, or in person at 1529 Belmont St., Boise, ID (located directly behind the Student Recreation Center, in the Norco Building).
All students can receive confidential support services, including assistance filing a complaint with the University and/or with law enforcement, as well as learn how to help make our campus safer through bystander intervention, by contacting the Gender Equity Center in person on the second floor of the Student Union Building, above the Info Desk at 1700 University Drive, Boise, ID 83706, by phone at (208) 426-4259, or by sending an email to genderequity@boisestate.edu.
Victims are encouraged to report crimes to law enforcement but are not required to.
In case of emergency, call 9-1-1, activate a blue emergency phone on campus, or call the Department of Public Safety at (208) 426-6911.
You can request a security escort from the Department of Public Safety by calling (208) 426-6911 or via the free Rave Mobile Safety app. The Rave Mobile Safety App can also act as a panic alarm. To learn about the app and how to download it, click here.
You may reach the Boise Police Department on campus by calling (208) 426-6911 or report in person at the Department of Public Safety substation located in Capitol Village at 2245 University Drive; or, if you wish, anonymously by calling (208) 343-COPS or online.
If you choose to initiate a police investigation of a crime, the Boise Police Department will investigate, provide support, and offer related services.
In an emergency situation, anyone in Ada County can now also text 9-1-1 Dispatch. This service has been recommended for victims who worry about their safety in speaking on a phone, as well as individuals with speaking or hearing difficulties.
The BPD had not responded to emails at the time of publication. KTVB will update this article as information becomes available.