Keeping Safe on Campus

• Don't walk alone at night and stick to well-lit streets.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are being followed, walk fast to a populated area.
• Don't give your phone number or address to strangers.
• Avoid dangerous parts of town.

• In addition to exercising the common sense rules mentioned above, you should always exercise caution when drinking.
• In most cases of sexual assault, especially acquaintance rape, drugs and/or alcohol were used by one or both people involved.
• If you drink, drink responsibly.
• Don't drink any drink that you did not buy yourself, and never leave your drink unattended.

• Contact your local police department to locate high crime areas on campus and in town.
• Learn what crimes are most prevalent in your neighborhood.
• You'll know what precautions to take once you've identified the most prevalent types of crime and where they occur.

• Call the police if you suspect someone is committing or attempting to commit a crime. Your involvement makes a safer environment for everyone.
• Give the police a good description of the suspect.
• Do not try apprehending the person yourself.

• Many college campuses offer training in self-defense through the gymnasium or police department for a small fee.
• Mace and pepper spray training may also be available.
• Inquire at your campus police headquarters or the city police department.
• Private self-defense instruction is also available in most cities.

• With a quick call to your campus police or local police station, you can find out what safety resources are available to you.
• The police department usually offers some kind of instruction in crime prevention.
• Many colleges offer night walk and night shuttle services.

• Report the crime immediately. If the police aren't aware of the crime, there's nothing they can do about it.
• Be prepared to tell the police:
  • what happened exactly
  • where the crime happened
  • when it happened
  • who you are
  • where you're calling from.
• Do not disturb any evidence at the crime scene while waiting for the police to arrive.

• Tell someone you trust what has happened.
• Whether you report sexual assault to the police or not, you should seek medical treatment and counseling immediately.
• Do not bathe, change clothes, or otherwise destroy evidence before seeing a doctor.
• Your physician will be able to refer you to a counselor.