Student possibly drugged, groped at event

STANFORD » A student was possibly drugged and groped at Stanford University over the weekend, authorities said.

The Stanford University Department of Public Safety said in a campus-wide alert that the female victim was attending an event on The Row on Saturday when an “unknown male” offered her a drink of water. Also known as Mayfield Avenue, The Row is home to a number of “self-operated houses,” as well as fraternities and sororities.

The water tasted odd to the victim and impaired her memory of the event, according to the alert. Her friends told her she was groped by the drinkgiver when she danced with him.

Authorities said it wasn’t immediately clear if an additional crime such as sexual assault occurred. The victim was escorted home safely by her friends, according to the alert.

The incident was reported to a “campus security authority,” who in turn reported it to police late Sunday night. William Larson, a spokesman for the Stanford University Department of Public Safety, said the victim has not filed a report with the agency.

“I believe the victim and support them, and want them to know that they are not alone,” Shanta Katipamula, the Stanford student body president and a former research intern with End Rape on Campus, said in an email interview.

“In the aftermath of any sexual violence,” she continued, “the survivor should always feel empowered to make the right decision for themselves and I support their decision.”

Katipamula noted that the incident occurred during the first non-dry weekend and during the so-called “red zone,” or the first six weeks of school when college freshmen are “more likely to experience sexual violence.”

The incident follows a violent sexual assault that occurred on the main campus either the night of Aug. 19 or the morning of Aug. 20. Authorities have released few details about the case, including whether the victim was a student or affiliated with the school.

“I believe the victim and support them, and want them to know that they are not alone.” — Shanta Katipamula, student body president at Stanford University