Hypnotism assaults at library raise safety questions, need for vigilance

By Kristin Barrett

September 30, 2003

Evanston, Illinois police continue to investigate incidents involving several Northwestern students who allege they were hypnotized and, in at least one case, sexually assaulted in the University Library.

University Librarian David Bishop said no changes in security have been made at the library since the last reported incident two months ago, but University Police say they have increased patrols there.

"I'm not sure that I could say that anything is being done in response to this," Bishop said.

A female victim reported to police that on July 22 a man hypnotized her after asking her to help with a research project. He then "spoke to and touched the victim in an inappropriate manner," according to a UP community crime alert.

Police knew of one or two similar incidents prior to the assault this summer, although the events might not be related, said Daniel McAleer, UP assistant chief.

Weinberg junior Sarah Bush, who also wrote about her experience in a guest column for The Daily, said in an interview that she was studying in the library's third floor stacks during Winter Quarter when a man asked her to participate in a psychology study and led her to a secluded room. She answered his questions and then he said he was going to try "relaxation techniques" on her. Bush woke from what she later realized was probably hypnosis when she became aware he was asking her to lie down on the floor, she said.

"He led me to a classroom and we sat down and he closed the door," Bush said. "I had never seen anyone be hypnotized before, which is probably why I fell for it."

When she awoke, she told him she felt uncomfortable and began to leave, but he attempted to block the door and persuade her to stay. When she insisted on leaving, he relented, Bush said.

Bush said she hadn't planned to file a police report, but she realized how bizarre the incident had been after talking with friends. She filed the report and also sent out a mass e-mail warning people of what had happened.

"It's so outlandish and you feel kind of foolish," Bush said, speculating that others might have had similar experiences but not reported them. "It seems like this has happened enough that this is not a one-time thing."

McAleer said regardless of how embarrassed victims feel about being hypnotized, they should report it or any other information to University Police.

"You may be helping your best friend," he said.

Bush said she generally feels safe on campus and around the city.

"Maybe some things at the library might need to be changed," Bush said. "I don't think of it as a scary place, but a really demented person is using our library as a place to do this."

Hypnosis can be strong enough to overpower someone during a sexual assault, but only for less than five percent of the population, said Deirdre Barrett, a psychology professor at Harvard Medical School who specializes in hypnosis.

"It's actually quite uncommon for real life," said Barrett, who is of no relation to the reporter.

Barrett said some crimes, including at least two murders, have been linked to suggestions given under hypnosis, but normally such hypnosis only exists in fictional settings such as movies.

She also said the power of hypnosis depends on the suggestibility of the individual being hypnotized and the abilities of the person conducting the hypnosis.

Hypnotism styles vary and there is no clear indicator to alert students that someone is trying to hypnotize them, Barrett said. However, she suggested students ask for proof that studies they participate in are official.

"One guideline that is only slightly related to hypnotism is that responsible psychologists would not be recruiting in the library," Barrett said. "If someone asks you to participate in research, checking with the department is certainly appropriate."

McAleer also urged students to be cautious.

"If you don't feel comfortable, trust your instincts," he said. "Don't follow someone in a secluded area."

The library has many secluded areas, but its entrance is restricted to people with WildCARDs after 5 p.m. A security monitor, typically a graduate student, makes rounds of the building instead of staying at an assigned location, Bishop said.

"This building is just a real challenge because of the nooks and crannies and multiple towers," Bishop said.