This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call RAINN's national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential support.

MADISON, Wis. — A University of Wisconsin student remains in the hospital after being found “severely beaten” downtown early Sunday morning, according to Madison Police Department.

Police said the woman was found around 3:20 a.m., along the 500 block of West Wilson Street. A person living in the area called the police after noticing the victim was attacked.

The victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. She remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon, police said.

Police added the victim is in her 20s and that she is a “survivor of physical and sexual assault” as a result of the incident. 

Police said no arrests have been made; police said it appears a stranger committed the assault. 

“I have authorized a full complement of police resources to bring this person or persons to justice,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said.

Over the weekend, detectives and investigators swabbed for biological evidence, collected more physical and digital evidence, and re-canvassed the area.

However, police said they are still in need of more surveillance video and renewed their plea for more footage. They asked anyone living within four blocks of the W. Wilson and Bedford Street area to turn over any video doorbell video or home security footage. They said that could also include vehicle surveillance video, such as from Teslas, that were parked within that same area.

MPD is working with university leaders to connect the student’s friends and family with any support and resources they may need.

“This investigation is in its preliminary stages right now,” said Assistant Chief Paige Valenta, who oversees the department’s investigative units. “We have called in numerous Madison Police personnel on this holiday weekend to conduct a thorough and complete investigation.”

MPD on Tuesday said they’re making “significant and meaningful progress on this case.”

Despite that, they still encouraged people in the area to be on high alert, to walk in groups, and to let someone know when they leave and arrive at places.

In 2021, there were 19 reported cases of rape on UW-Madison campus property, according to the 2022 UW-Madison Annual Security Report & Annual Fire Safety Report. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows there were over 11,000 sex offenses in residence halls and other locations in 2019.

Anyone with information can contact the MPD non-emergency line at (608) 255-2345 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com.

Police said patrols in the area will be increased for the time being.