We have a well-lit university, campus police just a call away and according to the U’s Department of Public Safety Web site, only five forcible sex offenses on campus were reported in the past three years.
There are blue-light emergency phones located even in remote locations on campus with police officers on the other line to help if you call 9-911. Campus police offers to escort students to their vehicles after dark, if requested by telephone. The main dispatch number is a handy number to have: 585-COPS. This is an extra service offered by our campus.
It’s good to know that we have a great police department on campus, but they can’t follow you around 24/7. You’re not always able to have the police arrive the moment you are in danger. Students are still personally responsible for taking precautions and being smart about their whereabouts8212;particularly after dark.
Self-defense classes are taught at the U throughout the year, providing helpful techniques and instruction on what you can expect, and what tricks you can utilize to counteract an attacker.
Additionally, the police department has organized a very resourceful Rape Aggression Defense course for women that discusses further awareness and risk avoidance as well as offering hands-on defense training by certified instructors. RAD courses are scheduled a few times a year for a fee of $25.
These services are designed to reduce the risk of danger on our campus, and our low crime rates are proof they are effective.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case everywhere. Scott Berkowitz, president and founder of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, one of the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organizations, said in March, “College women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.”
Lynn Mitchell, captain of the campus police department, offers the following ideas to help in dangerous situations:
For women, think about dropping shoes that are unfit for running, and just bringing high heels with you in your bag to change into later. When in doubt about your safety, let someone know that you are on your way home and name a time when they should be expecting you.
Mitchell further suggests playing a possible scenario in your mind. Maybe your arms are being pinned down by someone behind you, or a stranger jumps into the passenger seat in your car. In each case, think of creative ways you can defend yourself with whatever you have on hand.
“Once you have thought it over in your mind, you will react automatically if you are ever in a bad situation,” Mitchell said.
Now is the time for you to be proactive and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario. Campus police, although helpful and valuable, won’t always be right at your side.
Emily Rodriguez-Vargas