Police are investigating two sexual assaults that occurred in East Lansing student neighborhoods recently.

The first assault occurred in late October and the second Nov. 4, East Lansing police Capt. Juli Liebler said.

In both cases, a female was resting on a couch in the living room of her house in East Lansing when a male entered the home and began masturbating. The male ejaculated on each woman’s face while holding her down.

Police said no description is available and there are no suspects. Physical evidence left behind after the second assault may lead to a suspect, Liebler said.

The assaults may have been preventable, Liebler said.

“The biggest thing is to remind students to lock their doors at night,” Liebler said. “The doors were unlocked, the curtains were open, and the suspect could look in and see the female asleep on the couch.”

Joe G., a staff coordinator for The Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center, 1017 E. Grand River Ave., said victims of sexual assault need to feel it is not their fault.

If a victim is interested in pressing charges after a sexual assault, police recommendations to not shower and to have a rape kit completed at a hospital should be kept in mind, Joe G. said.

“It’s important for friends of sexual assault survivors to be empathetic and supportive,” Joe G. said. “It is important for them to try and seek help. It’s not their fault they left their door unlocked or their window unlocked.”

For crisis counseling or questions, contact The Listening Ear at (517)337-1717.