Four rape cases have been reported at California State University San Marcos within the first three weeks of the institution’s fall semester.
According to university officials, the incidents were reported on September 5, 6, 13 and 18, with reports linked to three locations on or around the campus.
The reported incidents occurred at The Quad on September 5 and 18, University Village Apartments on September 6, and Black Oak Hall on September 13.
University spokesperson Jerry McCormick said the incidents are being investigated by University Police and that the cases involve different alleged suspects.
He also said the individuals involved in each case were known to one another. The university has not indicated that the four incidents are connected.
The reports were communicated to students, faculty and staff through campus safety alerts issued under the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, which requires institutions to notify their communities about certain crimes that may pose a threat to campus safety.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the cases as of September 20, according to the university police crime log. The investigations are ongoing.
University officials said the first six weeks of the fall semester are commonly referred to as the “Red Zone,” a period when the risk of sexual violence on college campuses is considered elevated.
The university said it provides consent and sexual-assault prevention education, bystander-intervention training and confidential support services for students.
Officials also urged survivors of sexual violence to seek support and report incidents, stressing that consent must be voluntary and ongoing.
The university has released limited information about the reported cases to protect the privacy of those involved while investigations continue.
