University of Iowa police respond to reported sexual assault on campus

University of Iowa police are advising people to walk in groups and to use reliable transportation services to get home after a female UI student reported being sexually assaulted on campus early Friday.

The woman initially called the Iowa City Police Department to report being assaulted by an unknown man outside in the area of the Becker Communication Studies Building or the Communications Center between midnight and 2 a.m.

The woman lives off campus, but because the reported assault occurred on campus, Iowa City officers turned the case over to UI police, who are continuing to investigate. UI spokesman Tom Moore said investigators don't have any suspects at this time, but the woman described her attacker as a college-aged white male with brown hair.

The UI isn't releasing further details about the incident or whether the woman was injured. Moore said no other similar incidents have been reported, and police are asking people to walk in groups and use reliable transportation like Cambus and NITE Ride.

The UI Police Department also offers Rape Aggression Defense training, which provides self-defense training for woman.

Iowa City police Sgt. Denise Brotherton said students shouldn't feel they are safer on campus than in other parts of the city.

“The campus doesn't have a fence around it,” she said. “It doesn't matter if you're a student or not, you need to be aware and secure.”

Anyone with information about the crime can all the UI police at 319-335-5022 or Iowa City Crimestoppers at 319-358-TIPS. Callers to Crimestoppers with information that leads to a conviction can be eligible for a reward.

Confidential victim advocacy services are available for all community members through the Rape Victim Advocacy Program's 24-hour crisis line at 319-335-6000.