Five sexual assaults reported to Tarleton Police in 2013

By Katie Gibbs—

Five reports of sexual assault were reported to Tarleton police during 2013, according to the university’s crime log. Only one of the reports led to an arrest. One led to a suspension.

In 2012, the university’s annual security report disclosed a single sexual assault.

Tarleton Interim Police Chief Alvin Allcon believes the 2013 numbers reflect a greater awareness of sexual assault and an increased willingness to report them.

“I think it’s higher because there’s a lot more awareness of sexual assault,” he said. Awareness has brought the issue forward so it makes it more comfortable to report. My purpose is to make sure the victim is safe and to try to prosecute the assailant.”

Allcon also said, “We have made some strides in months and years as a society, attitudes have changed.”

Nationally, the statistics indicate one in four college women have been victims of rape or attempted rape. Effects of rape include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dr. Stephanie Robertson, director of student counseling at Tarleton, said they don’t tally how many students seek counseling for rape-related problems.

“We have treated people but have no specific number,” she said.

The five cases reported in 2013 were:

On Jan. 18, a sexual assault was reported at Bender Hall. The case was listed as cleared by arrest.

On Aug. 5, a sexual assault was reported at Bender hall. The case was listed as being investigated by the UPD.

On Sept. 10, a sexual assault was reported at Legacy Hall. The case was listed as suspension.

On Oct. 7, a sexual assault was reported at the west side of the stadium. The case was listed as being investigated by the UPD.

On Oct. 7, a sexual assault was reported at parking lot P-20 west. The case was listed as being investigated by the UPD.