The Office of Institutional Equity has informed the Notre Dame Police Department of an incident of rape that occurred on campus in the evening hours of September 9, 2021.
The male student victim reported he exchanged messages with the male suspect through a dating app prior to meeting in a parking lot on the east side of campus. At this time there is no additional suspect information available. The Office of Institutional Equity continues to investigate the incident.
Sexual assault and other sex-based misconduct can happen to anyone. Anyone initiating any kind of sexual contact with another person must seek consent and not engage in sexual contact unless consent is given. According to the University’s Policy on Discriminatory Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Other Sex-Based Misconduct (the “Policy”), “consent” means “informed, freely given agreement, communicated by clearly understandable words or actions, to participate in each form of sexual activity. Consent cannot be inferred from silence, passivity, or lack of active resistance.” Importantly, intoxication is not an excuse for failure to obtain consent, and a person who is incapacitated—whether by alcohol, drugs, or otherwise—is incapable of giving consent. For more information on consent and incapacitation, see Section 5 of the Policy.
On college campuses, perpetrators are more likely to assault an acquaintance than a stranger. Being aware of your own safety and watching out for your friends are important steps you can take to reduce the risk of sexual assault.
When using dating apps it is suggested to meet in a public place and tell your friends and family about your plans. Arrange your own transportation and if you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason, leave.
The perpetrator, not the survivor, is responsible for any instance of sexual assault. Nothing a survivor does or does not do is an excuse for sexual assault.
Information about sexual assault prevention and resources for survivors of sexual assault are available from NDPD at https://police.nd.edu/ and at the Committee for Sexual Assault Prevention website at https://titleix.nd.edu/committee-on-sexual-assault/.
To report a crime in progress, suspicious activity (crime may be occurring), fire or medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or dial 574-631-5555 from your cellular telephone.
Originally published by at police.nd.edu on September 13, 2021.