Dozens Of Women Were Reportedly Sexually Assaulted By A University Of Wisconsin Student

Dozens of women have spoken up against a University of Wisconsin student. Alec Cook was arrested last week for reportedly sexually assaulting a female student.

The New York Times reported that Cook, 20, was arrested and accused of attacking a 20-year-old woman at his apartment in downtown Madison on Oct. 12. The arrest prompted more women to stand up and talk about how they were sexually assaulted by the alleged serial rapist.

"I saw the news story and was empowered by another girl being able to tell what happened to her, that I thought I could now finally tell," one of the victims told a police detective. Another revealed that Cook assaulted her last year.

The University of Wisconsin student has been formally charged on Thursday in four sexual assaults. In his apartment, a black leather book was found. It was there that he wrote how he met women and what he liked about them.

"The entries went on to document what he wanted to do with the females," Madison police investigator, Grant Humerickhouse, said. "Disturbingly enough, there were statements of 'kill' and statements of 'sexual' desires."

According to The Huffington Post, Cook's attorney believes that his client has become a victim of "character assassination" on Facebook and other media. He has been suspended from the university.

The University of Wisconsin issued an official statement about the incident. It was shared by Dean of Students Lori Berquam last Friday, Oct. 21.

"We are committed to providing supportive and prompt responses to students who have experienced sexual assault," the dean wrote. "Students have many options and services available to them on and off campus, including mental health counseling, victim advocacy, off-campus legal assistance, and access to the criminal and campus disciplinary systems."

Services available to victims are free. They can get in touch with the Title IX Coordinator, The Dean of Students Office as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department.