Crime & Safety

Sexual Assault Awareness to be Highlighted at UMd.

National campaign event at Terrapin soccer game is well-timed at University of Maryland.

There will be a moment of silence and a public service announcement will be read before the Terrapin women's soccer game Thursday to promote sexual abuse awareness.

"The goal really is to empower students to raise awareness of sexual violence," said Katherine Hull, spokeswoman for Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN. Thursday is the organization’s annual campaign day to bring awareness to the issue across college campuses.

The event is particularly timely, given the  on and around the University of Maryland campus. On the night of Sept. 9, three female students awoke to a man fondling their bodies. UMd. police and county police, who are working together on the cases, have not tracked down the suspect or suspects.

Find out what's happening in College Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the RAINN website, college-aged students are four-times more likely to be assaulted than any other age group.

The women's Terrapin soccer team faces Boston College at 8 p.m. today at Ludwig Field.

Find out what's happening in College Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hull encourages victims of sexual assault to contact RAINN at 800-656-HOPE.

University Police released a video of a man who was running in the area of one of the sexual assaults on Sept. 9. Police have called him a person of interest. Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information regarding the incidents is encouraged to contact police at 911 or 301-772-4908. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. The email address is: pgcrimesolvers@co.pg.md.us.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.