Incident
On April 23, 2023, at approximately 12:00 AM, an MIT student reported that she was attacked from behind while entering her residence through the rear alley of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, located at 515 Beacon Street in Boston.
According to report, the perpetrator initially approached the victim/survivor on a bicycle and asked for food. As the victim/survivor went to enter her residence, the perpetrator groped her from behind and then followed her into the residence, where he further assaulted her. The victim/survivor fought off the perpetrator and called 911. The perpetrator fled on a bicycle.
Suspect
The victim/survivor described the perpetrator as appearing to be a Middle Eastern male with dark curly hair, possibly a goatee, and riding a bicycle.
Sexual Assault Reporting Resources
MIT Police Department
The MIT Police have specially trained officers who investigate sexual assaults. During all interviews, the MIT Police will make every effort for survivors to be able to speak with officers of the gender of their choosing. In addition, the MIT Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with:
Local police department
The district attorney's office for criminal prosecution and legal survivor assistance
Survivor assistance offices and programs
Anonymous sexual assault reporting: https://police-mit-edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/anonymous-sexual-assault-form
Violence Prevention and Response (VPR)
For emotional support, assistance in reporting, and/or to learn more about your available options, contact Violence Prevention & Response (VPR), MIT’s primary, confidential, on-campus resource for issues pertaining to sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and domestic/dating violence. For non-urgent situations, you can also reach them at VPRadvocate@mit.edu or call 617-253-2300.
Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR)
For information about MIT’s Title IX reporting options and procedures please contact the IDHR Office at idhr@mit.edu or visit idhr.mit.edu.
Risk Reduction/Safety Precautions:
Rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the survivor. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault.
The most common type of sexual assault occurs between individuals known to one another. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors.
Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. If you engage in sex, be sure you understand your partner’s limits, and communicate your own limits. Do not engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner(s).
If you do not feel comfortable intervening in any situation, notify someone who can (party host, GRA, Dean-on-Call, etc).
Program your cell phone with the MIT Police emergency number (617-253-1212). Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Additional Considerations for Your Safety:
If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 100 from any Institute telephone.
Utilize SafeRide or public transportation.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your destination at the end of the night.
Sexual Assault Programs and Procedures
MIT is committed to educating the campus community in ways to prevent sexual assault. Throughout the academic year and during orientation, MIT Medical, the Office of the Dean for Student Life, the MIT Police, and certain student organizations deliver educational programs to parents, students, employees, and other members of the community. These sessions provide information on preventing sexual assault and rape, supporting friends who are survivors of sexual assault, security programs, residence hall and Institute-wide regulations and behavior standards, and an outline of the resources available to members of the MIT community.
Issued by
Captain Andrew Turco
MIT Police Department
570 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-1212