Two raped in U. area; one just off Walk

Two women were raped in separate incidents at the end of last month, including one behind a Locust Walk fraternity house, University Police said. University Police Sgt. Keith Christian said that both rapes, which he said were unrelated, did not involve students. On August 21, at about 1:40 a.m., two sisters were walking home on St. Mark's Square, between Walnut and Locust streets, when the assailant approached them. He robbed one sister and ordered both to lie down, before raping the other sister, Christian said. The assailant was described as a black male, 5-foot-7, in his 20s and with a mustache, Christian said. In the second incident, a woman was raped about 2:20 a.m. behind the Delta Phi (St. Elmo's) fraternity house at 3627 Locust Walk, Christian said. The assailant was described as a black male, 5-foot-5, with a dark complection and thin mustache, he said. Elena DiLapi, director of the Penn Women's Center, said she thinks these rapes will help bring attention to the issue of rape on campus and throughout the community. "I think that there are implications, one is that women need to be careful about how they travel," DiLapi said. "We need to make this a safe space where women do not fear rape." Other University officials said they think the first step in fighting rape is awareness. "[Rape] is a major crime which the University community should be made aware of," said Barbara Cassel, interim director of Victim Support and Special Services. Cassel also said that it is imperative that students use caution and common sense when traveling around the University campus. Susan Villari, director of health education for Students Together Against Acquaintance Rape, said the rapes are evidence of an increasingly more hostile environment. "I think that we are seeing an increase in violence against people in general, and, in particular, women," she said.

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