Four Rapes Reported at Cal State San Marcos in Early September

Four rapes have been reported at California State University, San Marcos, since the start of September, according to the university. Each incident involved individuals who knew one another. The reports were made on four separate dates and occurred at three locations on campus: The Quad on September 5 and September 18, University Village Apartments on September 6, and Black Oak Hall on September 13.

Jerry McCormick, a spokesperson for Cal State San Marcos, confirmed the reports and stated that the four incidents are not believed to be connected. He emphasized that sexual assault is never acceptable and is never the survivor's fault, adding that consent must be affirmative, voluntary, and ongoing. McCormick also noted that a person who is incapacitated cannot consent.

The university issued campus safety alerts to students, faculty, and staff regarding the incidents, as required by the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. This act mandates that colleges and universities provide timely warnings about certain crimes that may pose a threat to the campus community.

McCormick stated that the university wants students who experience sexual violence to feel supported in coming forward. Limited information about the incidents has been released to protect the privacy of those involved. The university's police crime log does not currently indicate any arrests made in connection with the four reports.

The reported incidents occur during a period often referred to as the "Red Zone" for universities, typically the first six weeks of the fall semester, when the risk of campus sexual violence is considered elevated. Cal State San Marcos states it educates students about consent and sexual assault prevention before they arrive on campus and continues these efforts throughout the academic year.