Staying Safe on Campus

Though we’d like to think that our schools are safe places to be, the fact remains that at least 5% of college women will be attacked this year. Sickly enough, 51% of males who have attended college even admit to sexually attacking a woman at least once—and that’s not counting the ones who don’t own up to it. With that many sex fiends on the loose—and with so many women being attacked by men they already know—who in their right mind feels safe to begin with?

We don’t have to freak out, but we do have to be safe and protect ourselves. Don’t walk blindly into a situation that may have been preventable at some point (this does NOT mean to blame yourself for any attacks; no matter what anyone tells you, it is not your fault if you are sexually assaulted, attacked, or abused in any way).

Here are some easy tips to follow to keep yourself safe on campus:

Always take money for cab fare and phone calls with you, no matter who you are going out with.

Don’t go out drinking with people you don’t know. 55% of women who experience date rape were drinking or doing drugs beforehand. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know, either, and don’t pick up a drink you’ve left unattended.

Always stay alert when walking alone, and avoid dark areas; avoid walking alone if at all possible. Groups of people are great to walk with for safety and for fun.

If you’re going on a date, make sure to tell a trusted friend, parent or roommate your date’s name, where you’re going, what time you’ll be back, and any other details that could be important.

Keep your hands free to defend yourself, and keep your keys ready when approaching your car.

Scream as loud as you can if someone is chasing you—and make a beeline for cars, houses, stores or anywhere with other people around.

If you’d like to take a women’s self-defense course, it may help you to feel more empowered and in control—as well as potentially help you in a worst-case scenario. See if your school offers one—many do—and if it doesn’t, request one.

For more information, contact the Dating Violence Resource Center at 202-467-8700. If you have a case of abuse to report—including your own—please call the Victims of Crime hotline at 1-800-FYI-CALL, or report it via email at gethelp@ncvc.org.