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Three Rapes Reported At Worcester State

WORCESTER (CBS) - Worcester State University police are on high alert after three sexual assaults have been reported to school officials in the past few weeks.

"The three this year alleged to have happened in the residence halls with people who are known to the people who made the report," Worcester State spokeswoman Lea Ann Scales told WBZ-TV.

However, school officials told WBZ-TV no disciplinary action has been taken against any of the suspects because all of the victims have declined to press formal charges.

Freshman Amanda Sheehy says she knows at least one of the students who were allegedly assaulted.

"I've talked to them and they are scared too. It's not something anyone wants to go through," Sheehy said.

The school administration has reached out to all students but especially the freshman class warning them about personal safety.

"Our university police, counseling and students affairs and resident life advisors have reached out to students at least 10 times in formal sessions about personal safety, how to prevent assaults and theft," Scales said.

Right now, school officials cannot say if alcohol played a role in the assaults.

"Alcohol can change a lot of things and you just have to be careful of people," sophomore Ryan Matte said.

Students received multiple emails warning them to be cautious.

"Be careful who you trust because not everyone is trustworthy and don't drink a lot," Sheehy said.

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