Over the past six months, a series of reported gropings of women in Russian Hill has brought attention to safety in the neighborhood. As a response to the rash of gropings, Russian Hill Neighbors (RHN), in partnership with several other community resources, has organized a safety fair from 6–9pm next Friday, August 28th at Tel-Hi Center (660 Lombard St.)

This safety forum will deal specifically with the recent assaults on Russian Hill, how people can protect themselves, and what to do if a crime happens. "Report it, report it, report it," said RHN president Tina Moylan. "If it’s not reported, it’s not a crime. We want those who have been victims of a crime to go to a crisis center or a psychologist.”

The fair will include a panel discussion with representatives of SF SAFE and the SFPD, including Central Station Capt. David Lazar and Northern Station Capt. Greg McEachern. Representatives of the SFPD special victims unit, the District Attorney's office, and Supervisor Mark Farrell's office will also speak, as will Supervisor Julie Christensen and a Kaiser psychiatrist. The goal is "addressing everything from prevention to aftermath," said Moylan. 

Moylan added that people are used to feeling safe in the area and expect police to protect them, but it's everyone's responsibility to take care of themselves and exercise caution.

The earliest report of a groping in Russian Hill was filed in February 2015, and several more incidents have reported in the months since, including four in the period from July 15th-26th, Lazar told Hoodline earlier this month.

The suspect is described by SFPD as a "male in his late 20s to late 30’s." No arrests have been made in the case as of yet. "We are working tirelessly to apprehend this suspect. We've been working on these cases pretty much day and night since they’ve occurred," Lazar told Hoodline in early August. Victims or those witnessing any suspicious activity are encouraged to call 911 immediately.