Content Warning: Sexual Assault
A Western Alert detailing a sexual assault allegation against a Western employee was sent to students and staff members on Friday May 21.
The person who filed the complaint said that the man who assaulted her was her supervisor. Western’s crime log noted the incident took place in Sam Carver Gymnasium at approximately 10:30 a.m. on May 20.
The man was taken into custody by University Police and then booked at the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of indecent liberties, a felony. Washington state law defines indecent liberties as when a person knowingly causes another person to have sexual contact with them under a number of specific conditions, including by forcible compulsion or when the assailant has authority over the person.
The man was released on his own recognizance, according to jail records. Being released on recognizance means the defendant promises in writing that they will appear in court and are released without paying bail.
The university has provided the survivor with support through the Washington State Employee Assistance Program. This resource is available for Western faculty and staff.
If you’re a survivor of sexaul assault, there are resources available both on and off campus. Below are a few community resources:
- Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy (CASAS)
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS)
- Lummi Victims of Crime (LVOC)
- The NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian, and Gay Survivors of Abuse
- Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime Program
Cameron Martinez (she/her) is the editor-in-chief for The Front this quarter. She is majoring in visual journalism with a double minor in queer studies and anthropology. She has written stories ranging from making sushi on a budget to murder hornets on campus. When not reporting, she enjoys listening to podcasts and playing arcade games.
You can reach her at me.thefront@gmail.com or cameron.westernfront@gmail.com. Her Instagram handle is @doctorcameron.
