College Campus Safety (Part 1)
For students, parents, and educators back to school is an exciting time of year. Our easy-breezy days of summer are exchanged for the schedules, routines and a sense of normalcy and promise of the new fall season. We had a relaxing break but now it is time to buckle down. So, while you get your class enrollment, dorm and roommate assignments, meet your teachers, learn the campus, read the syllabus, buy overpriced & oversized textbooks, you must also keep in mind there a few other things you need to consider to make this the best and safest fall semester ever!! It can be difficult to think and talk about sexual assault when your son or daughter is going off to college, but it’s important that you are both aware of the prevalent and frequent nature of sexual assault on college campuses across the country.
So, while we follow our heart and chase our dreams, let’s take our brain with us. Although we want to focus on all that is exciting there are facts about college campus life which cannot be ignored. One of the most concerning issues young adults face is sexual assault. In addition to mobilizing campuses and communities to address this issue, it’s important for all parents to feel prepared and equipped to discuss this topic. At Fabulous Faithful Freedom Fighters, Inc. Sex Crimes & Sex Trafficking Outreach, we encourage parents and caregivers to address key topics relating to sexual assault and safety before their child leaves for college. Teaching young adults about this prevalent public health issue will better prepare you to deal with this issue in an informed way. This information is also essential when you look at the following startling statistics. knowledge is power. The more you know the safer you will stay.
KNOW THE FACTS:
Ø Every 98 seconds a sexual assault occurs in the U.S.
Ø Rape is the most underreported crimes.
Ø 63% assaults are not reported to law enforcement authorities.
Ø 20%-25% of college women are victims of forced sex during their time in college.
Ø Among college women, 9/10 victims of rape and sexual assault know their offender.
Ø A 2002 study revealed that 63.3% of men (self-reported) at one university reported acts qualifying as rape or attempted rape admitted to committing repeated rapes.
Ø 27% of college women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact.
Ø More than 95% of sexual assault victims on college campuses DO NOT REPORT the assault.
Ø Nearly 2/3 of college students experience sexual harassment.
To be fully informed about rape and/or sexual assault. Let’s define sexual assault: Types of sexual violence that applies to a broad range of forced and or unwanted sexual activity. What this means under the law is that there was no prior CONSENT to the sexual activity. The above listed statistics reflect a desperate need for increased awareness and prevention. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness about sexual assault, campus safety. #awarenotscared
Intimate/acquaintance assailants are the most common form of sexual attacks. Experts believe that the fact that the assailant is known to the victim is the number 1 reason given for not reporting these all too common crimes. Others did not realize that they had been raped. We don’t want you walking around campus scared but we do want to help you be more aware of your surroundings and employ preventative measures to reduce the risk of experiencing a sexual assault on campus.
COLLEGE CAMPUS SAFETY:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings. Take a quick mental picture of what’s around you.
2. Inside buildings always be aware of all the exits
3. Sit with your back to a wall, facing the doors in order to be able to view the exits.
4. Survey the people in close proximity.
5. Safest path to all classes.
6. Trust your gut. If something or someone feels off, then it is.
7. If you feel unsafe -for any reason- PHONE 911 or CAMPUS SECURITY
8. Alternative paths to class in case you need to change up your routine.
9. Change up your routine. You don’t know people are watching you, but they are.
10. Flashlights, Whistles, Personal alarms, Personal tasers (check legal voltage rates in your area). Mace & Pepper spray are illegal in Florida so check the laws in your area
11. Do not isolate yourself
12. Do not walk or travel on campus alone.
13. Start a Buddy system model with your friends.
14. Do not go out alone
15. Always tell a trusted friend where you are going and how late you will be.
16. Leave the name and phone number of a boyfriend, girlfriend or companion with a trusted friend or confidant.
17. Bring your cell phone & important numbers with you at all times.
18. If you drink have a trusted and sober friend to drive.
19. Never leave a bar, party, library or any event with someone you don’t know.
20. Do not post or say anything online you wouldn’t say in person.
21. Set all online profiles to private.
22. Save and/or document any abusive, threatening or harassing comments, posts or texts.
23. Reach out to a trusted friend if you are struggling. There is a lot of help. There is no shame in reaching out.
24. Never get into a vehicle with someone you do not know.
This is the best time of your life and you want to get as much out of the experience as possible. A whole new world has opened up to you and it is exciting and fun and scary all at the same time. Enjoy it. Be #awarenotscared
A few things to remember if you are a victim of a sexual assault it is not your fault! It is never the victim's fault. The only person responsible is the perpetrator. There is a lot of help. Do not go it alone. Reach out to friends, family, church, your school and other professionals to help get you through this. It won't be easy but it is possible to thrive after surviving a sexual assault. Fabulous Faithful Freedom Fighters, Inc. addresses the needs of the hurting in SWFL and beyond. If you have been or know someone who has been a victim you can call, text or email us for resources and help. Mental Health FREE Hot line (213) 4BEFREE/ (213) 423.3733.
Email: swflfreedomfighters@gmail.com. Office/Cell#: (239) 601.4389.
