LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky student said they were sexually assaulted last Thursday, Oct. 17 on-campus. According to the university’s police department, it’s the fourth sexual assault this semester.

What You Need To Know

  • UK Police have reported four on-campus sexual assaults this semester 

  • Survivors are encouraged to use the UK Violence and Intervention Prevention Center for free, confidential support 

  • UK offers a free escort service, SAFECATS, to spots on the main campus 

  • The victim knew the suspect in each assault 

Police said it happened inside the student’s dorm room, and the victim knew the suspect. The campus alert did not specify which residence hall the assault occurred in or the gender of the victim or suspect. They reminded students "no means no," regardless of the relationship between two people.

UK's Violence and Intervention Prevention Center supports sexual assault survivors on-campus in several ways for free, said Lenzi Dodgen, acting director. 

“Each individual survivor has a different set of needs because their experiences are all different," Dodgen said. "They’re different beings; they’re different experiences."

UK Police have reported four on-campus sexual assaults this semester. UKPD said sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes on college campuses across the country.

“What I want survivors to hear is that whatever they decide to do for themselves is the right thing for them," Dodgen said. "They’re the experts on their situation and your circumstances." 

In each reported case at UK, the students know the suspect. Dodgen said it’s important students understand the only form of consent is "yes" between both parties.

“I want survivors to know that whatever happened and whatever transpired, that they’re believed and that we trust them and that we’re here for them," Dodgen said.

Police also reminded students of the SAFECATS program, a free safety escort program sponsored by UKPD and operated by Air Force Cadets in the ROTC.

“We do run them through background checks, and we provide training so they can operate the golf cart proficiently and provide excellent customer service," said officer Michael Culver.

Culver, who oversees the program, said escorts are conducted by golf cart or by foot on the main UK campus. It’s available Sundays through Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., except during holidays and breaks.

“During the fall and early spring semester, that’s when it’s the darkest ... most of our students are out and about studying, going to tutor sessions," Culver said.

Empowering survivors and guiding them through a dark time is Dodgen's passion, she said. 

“It is hard, challenging and heavy work, but I wouldn’t do anything else with my life," Dodgen said. "This is something I love." 

The UK VIP Center is in the Gatton Student Center on the third floor and can be reached at 859-257-3574.

Students interested in scheduling a SAFECATS escort are encouraged to reach out 10 to 20 minutes beforehand and can do so by calling (859) 257-SAFE (7233).