Email alerts local college students to rape

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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IUSB or IU South Bend

By WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND — A local college campus is on alert after a woman was raped and sexually assaulted.

South Bend police were called to a local hospital after the 19-year-old woman asked for a rape kit. They say she was raped once and sexually assaulted twice Tuesday morning just off IU South Bend's campus.

Police describe her statement as graphic and horrifying. They say she knew the men who raped and sexually assaulted her at a home owned by IU South Bend on Esther Street and then again at a nearby apartment.

The university found out and used an email alert system set up after the Virginia Tech shootings to warn other students.

Neighborhood watch signs are posted along the street, but another watch system notified students about the rape that happened on that same block.

"I got an email from IUSB. Someone sent it to me this morning telling me about the rape," said Banks, an IU South Bend student. "So, in my idea, it's like scared."

"I saw it on the door when I was coming out of the library," said Christina Farrand, another student.

What they saw was a letter telling them what happened.

"This is a rare incident on our campus," said Ken Baierl, communications director at IU South Bend.

It gave the university a chance to use the email alert system.

"A lot has happened on college campuses throughout the country that make you aware that communication is important and things could happen here," said Baierl.

"I'm glad they are stepping up and making all students aware so we can take extra precautions going out to our car," said Farrand.

Police say the woman was drunk at a party at a friend's home on Esther Street when four men she knew sexually assaulted her. One also raped her. She then left and went to a friend's Terrace apartment where two of the men sexually assaulted her again.

"It's kinda scary thing. You don't know who you are sitting next to in classes, so it's like one of them could be sitting next to you," said Farrand.

School officials say the victim was not an IU South Bend student. Police are not sure if the suspects are.

Police say they did collect evidence at the Esther Street home and feel confident they'll find the four men.

School officials say the students who live in the home could face disciplinary action for drinking in student housing where alcohol is not allowed.

Friday, Jan 18 at 4:10 PM Huh??? wrote ...

OMG Tango, you are so funny! That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Ever heard of Rosy Palm? Rape is a violent crime, not a date! You really can't be that stupid, can you? I can't believe WSBT even posted you comment!

Friday, Jan 18 at 11:10 AM Irate in South Bend wrote ...

I can not believe what Tango wrote....are you kidding me....men and women should not need an outlet for sex!!! You need God in your lives not sex!! Get a grip! Rape is unexcusable and to take advantage of someone who is drunk...their character is weak...

Friday, Jan 18 at 1:14 AM nameless wrote ...

I wonder why she went to the second apartment instead of reporting the first assult.

Friday, Jan 18 at 12:48 AM victim's friend wrote ...

Sorry, but WSBT has wrong information. She did NOT know these men. And the reason they're probably not releasing the names yet is because since she didn't know them, she only knew their first names, not their last. I'm really angry that all the news stations are focusing on the alcohol. My best friend was RAPED, and the fact that men would do something this horrible to her completely negates the alcohol factor. There's no excuse for rape. Ever. I hope they're convicted and locked up forever

Thursday, Jan 17 at 4:26 PM Nick wrote ...

Why have they not release the name of the accused? Freedom of Information Act? When this happened at Notre Dame, the players names were plastered all over the media.

Thursday, Jan 17 at 2:32 PM Tango wrote ...

Men and women need an outlet for sex, There has definately been an increase in rape since they closed the strip clubs. I think the moral hypocrites of South Bend need to keep their noses out of what the public obviously wants, and deperately needs.Chicago reported fewer rapes due to the opening of clean adult theaters and bath houses. It gives men an outlet if there's not a woman around or unwilling to conscent to their advances.

Thursday, Jan 17 at 9:33 AM BIGDOG wrote ...

I believe all convicted rapist should be made medically impotent. We need to take away the tools of destruction that they use.

Thursday, Jan 17 at 5:27 AM tob wrote ...

rape is a horrible thing and anyone who does the act should have their lifed ended. That being said I recall a number of rape stories by drunken girls being recanted on the college campus I went to. Not saying this is the case here but it happens. I hope everything works out for her and justice is served.

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