Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under the age of 14

July 25, 2024

Incident

On July 25, 2024 at 12:57pm, the MIT Police received a report regarding five (5) incidents of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child under the age of 14. The incidents were reported to have occurred on July 24, 2024 between 7:30am and 8:50am, while the victims were swimming in the lap pool at the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center. This is the extent of information provided to the MIT Police.

Suspect

The suspect is described as a male, with a moustache, approximately 30 years of age, and was last seen wearing a lime green shirt and carrying a duffel bag.

Summary

Sexual Assault Reporting Resources
MIT Police Department
The MIT Police have specially trained men and women officers who investigate sexual assaults. During all interviews, the MIT Police will make every effort to offer female survivors an opportunity to have a female officer present, and male officers for male survivors. In addition, the MIT Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with:
• Local police
• The district attorney's office for criminal prosecution and legal survivor assistance
• Survivor assistance
• 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.
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, GRT/A, 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.
• Trust your intuition – if a particular makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
• 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

Issued by
Sergeant David J. O'Connor
Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit
MIT Police
570 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-1212