x
Breaking News
More () »

WIU Students react to alleged sexual assault

The Western Illinois campus is on the lookout after a female student reported being sexually assaulted on her walk home late Saturday night.

The Western Illinois campus is on the lookout after a female student reported being sexually assaulted on her walk home late Saturday night. 

It happened in the Sherman Hall lawn along Adams Street. 

Public Safety Interim Director Tom Clark says this is a rare occurrence in this campus town.

“Since 2006, we have not had any sexual assaults by a person who the victim doesn’t know,” Clark says.

The news is causing some students to think twice.  Patience Jackson of Chicago says she was shocked.

“That made me want to look up emergency tips that I can do here on campus,” she says.

The Office of Public Safety recommends that students walking in groups and use the blue light call boxes that connect directly to a police dispatcher.  They also have a student patrol escorts to make sure no person has to walk alone on campus.

A couple of female students say they are prepared to take matters into their own hands if needed.

Junior Lindsey Pierce says, “I have mace just in case something were to happen.  I have it with me at all times just to feel secure.”

Overall the students say they feel safe but know it never hurts to keep an eye out.

The case is still under investigation.

Before You Leave, Check This Out