On Sunday, April 16, an adult woman was the victim of a sexual assault on Fairway Drive in Rohnert Park. Her attacker was riding on a black bicycle around 8:30 p.m. where he then reportedly got off the bicycle, groped the victim from behind, tackled her to the ground and then proceeded to assault her. 

The Rohnert Park Police Department announced their search for the suspect on April 20, four days after the initial attack. The suspect was described as Hispanic or mixed-race, short with a stocky build, as well as wearing a black beanie and black clothing. 

That same evening a concerned neighbor alerted the neighborhood on the application, Nextdoor, stating, “Woman attacked on Fairview Way and Fawn. Hispanic male, around 30. He’s on bike. Rides near, stops, jumps off bike, grabs from behind.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Ramirez at (707) 584-2600. The suspect is unknown at this time. All information will be confidential. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety states, “We would like to remind you to be aware while walking alone after dark. If you can, walk with someone. Only use one earbud or headphone so you can hear things around you.”

As the investigation continues, Sonoma State is observing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every year, SSU hosts multiple events to bring awareness as well as support to sexual assault victims. On April 26, SSU will be hosting the Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day Tabling. It is an event that dates back 22 years. 

Denim day is described by the Seawolf Living website as, “Millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose to support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.” It is encouraged that students wear denim on campus that day. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

California is not lenient when it comes to sexual assault on college campuses. In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill called the “Yes Means Yes” Law that, according to NPR, “Seeks both to improve how universities handle rape and sexual assault accusations and to clarify the standards, requiring an “affirmative consent” and stating that consent can’t be given if someone is asleep or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.” 

Any college receiving state funding, like Sonoma State, has to comply with the standards of the law while investigating sexual assault crimes. 

While the law promises to help victims in investigations, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center states that, “Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.” Sexual assault is common and this particular assault on April 16 occurred 10 minutes from SSU’s campus.

Rohnert Park has neighborhoods divided into sections. According to Neighborhood Scout, the section where the crime took place is the second safest in Rohnert Park. No matter where you reside, attempted assault is always possible.

If anyone has been a victim of sexual assault, SSU states, “You are not alone. Qualified, caring, confidential help is available on-campus and in the community. Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any gender, age, or circumstance.” The Student Health Center can be reached at (707) 664-2921, as well as Counseling and Psychological Services at (707) 664-2153.