Two reported sexual assaults in OSU-Cascades residence hall prompt safety warnings

(Update: adding statement from OSU-Cascades)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon State University-Cascades issued a safety warning to the campus community following reports of two sexual assaults in a university residence hall on October 8th and October 10th.

University officials said both incidents involved an assailant who was unknown to the victim.

The OSU-Cascades Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are investigating the incidents.

To enhance campus security, the university is increasing public safety patrols, stepping up hallway observations by housing staff, and regularly monitoring video footage of the residence hall and surrounding campus areas.

A description of the assailant was not immediately available. OSU-Cascades is working alongside the Bend Police Department and campus officials to investigate the reported assaults and implement additional security measures.

University officials urged community members to take safety precautions.

Recommended steps include keeping residence hall doors locked at all times, preventing unknown individuals from entering secured buildings, staying aware of surroundings, traveling with trusted companions, carrying a charged mobile phone, and reporting suspicious behavior immediately.

OSU-Cascades reminded students and employees of available confidential support services, including:

• The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at 541-737-3556
• The Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Education at 541-737-2030
• Student Health and Wellness

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact:

• Campus Public Safety at 541-322-3110
• Residential Education and Housing
• The Bend Police Department at 541-693-6911
• Emergency: 911

KTVZ News received the following statement from OSU-Cascades regarding the reports:

"A precautionary message was sent to the Oregon State University-Cascades community with the available information and in response to The Clery Act, a federal law that requires universities to disclose certain offenses, including sexual assault, to alert members of the campus community to situations that may pose a serious or continuing threat so they can take precautions.

The report, which has not been confirmed, was shared with Oregon State University’s Equal Opportunity & Access office and later with the Department of Public Safety, who respond to all such reports.

University resources and support are being offered to those impacted. Increased staffing, patrolling and observation of the OSU-Cascades residence hall and campus have been initiated and will continue for the foreseeable future.

The university has no further information to share given the ongoing investigation into this matter."

- Rob Odom, vice president, University Relations and Marketing

A copy of the statement warning sent to students is below: