Assault at MSU

Only nine cases of aggravated assault, which took place on campus, were reported to MSU Police in 2009, according to the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.  An additional case of aggravated assault was deemed a hate crime and there were no simple assault incidences reported to police.  Alyssa Baumann, MSU Safe Place Volunteer and Advocacy Coordinator, said the assault numbers seem small when compared with such a large university.  However, assault in domestic relationships is one of the most under reported crimes on college campuses today.

"A good number of people we work with are not in contact with the police," said Baumann.

MSU Safe Place is the relationship violence and stalking program on campus, said Baumann.  MSU Safe Place offers a variety of help and guidance to the victims.  Generally, about 65-75 victims enter the Safe Place temporary shelter each year.

Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor of the MSU Police said she knows students do not always report crimes, including assault, to the police.


"Assault may not be reported because the victim is embarrassed," said McGlothian-Taylor.  "The person might go to a counseling center as opposed to the police department for help."

The victim may also be afraid of the repercussions of reporting incidents to the police, said Baumann.

"Some victims are scared of what can happen if they tell and others just don't trust police," said Baumann.

Elementary education freshman Annah Bravo said she is concerned with safety on college campuses and said she attended a two-hour self-defense program that was held at the Brody Complex earlier this year.

"The first hour was all about statistics on crime, but during the second hour they taught us some easy self-defense techniques," said Bravo.