A recent instance of alleged rape involving Syracuse University students is indicative of a larger problem here on campus, according to the R.A.P.E. Center.

An SU student was arrested on charges of rape abuse Sunday, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Jeffrey Amponsah, of 410 Winding Ridge Road and a sophomore in The College of Arts and Sciences, was arraigned in court Sunday morning on felony charges of third degree rape and second degree sexual abuse, according to Sgt. Tom Connellan of the Syracuse Police Department.

‘Rape is a felony so he could face some substantial jail time,’ Connellan said.

He may be punished by the university as well, said Capt. Drew Buske of Public Safety. Amponsah’s case has been referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs at the request of the victim.

‘He could be facing suspension, expulsion-all those sanctions are available for the seriousness of this,’ Buske said.

The alleged rape occurred at Amponsah’s residence early Saturday morning, Connellan said. The victim knew Amponsah prior to the incident.

‘It’s common that the people involved are acquainted with each other, especially in a university setting,’ Buske said.

Amponsah and two other SU students were assaulted outside their apartment Saturday night by three unidentified men, according to a Public Safety report.

‘We believe the assault was in retaliation for (Amponsah’s) involvement in a sexual assault investigation,’ Buske said.

Amponsah’s injuries from the assault included bruising and swelling, Buske said.

Amponsah called the police because he was being threatened, Connellan said. The police brought Amponsah in for questioning after their arrival because they had been looking for him concerning the alleged rape the previous night. He was arrested at the 700 block of Irving Avenue at 5:30 a.m., Buske said.

Amponsah was held at the Justice Center following his arrest, Connellan said. He was released on bail Monday, Buske said.

Amponsah could not be reached for comment.

Janet Epstein, associate director of the R.A.P.E. Center, said instances of sexual assault are more prevalent than students are aware of.

‘It certainly is happening and it is happening more than it should be happening – it shouldn’t be happening at all,’ Epstein said. ‘I think some people might see this as an isolated incident.’

The R.A.P.E. Center assisted 18 sexual assault victims during the last academic year, Epstein said.

‘It’s more a matter of awareness of students of what we offer,’ Epstein said. ‘There are most likely many more assaults than there are students that come for our services.’

Epstein would not disclose if the victim sought assistance from the R.A.P.E. Center.

‘Our assistance is whatever a student wants. The student doesn’t have to take advantage of our services or not, we just want to make sure that the student knows our service is available,’ Epstein said.

Published on March 3, 2005 at 12:00 pm